Agenda and draft minutes

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee Members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Committee Clerk derek.mackenzie@witney-tc.gov.uk prior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 30(d)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary Councillors  ...  view the full agenda text for item PR241

An apology for absence was received from Councillor J Aitman

Members are reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in any of the items under consideration at this meeting in accordance with the Town Council’s code of conduct.

There were no declarations of interest from Members or officers.

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Committee for the 2024/2025 Municipal Year.

The Chair called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of the Committee.

It was proposed by Councillor Crouch and seconded by Councillor Collins that Councillor R Smith be elected. There being no other nominations it was:

Resolved:

That, Councillor Ruth Smith be elected Vice-Chair of the Committee for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR243

a) To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Parks & Recreation Committee held on 4 March 2024;

b) Matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda (Questions on the progress on any item).

The minutes of the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting held on 4 March 2024 were received.

P121 – The Leys Parking Restrictions – The Head of Estate & Operations provided an update to say that the Project Officer continues to work with OCC Legal advisors towards a resolution. An Update would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR244

The meeting will adjourn for this item.

Members of the public may speak for a maximum of five minutes each during the period of public participation, in line with Standing Order 42. Matters raised shall relate to the following items on the agenda. 5

The Committee adjourned for this item.

The Committee received representations from a member of Witney parkrun who gave an update on their activity at West Witney Sports Ground which had been affected greatly by the poor weather over the winter season. They offered their appreciation for the support received from  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR245

To receive and consider the report of the R.F.O concerning the financial position of items under the remit of this Committee in 2024/25.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) detailing income and expenditure for budgets which were the responsibility of the committee.

Members were pleased to receive this positive set of figures, however noted that these may be subject to further adjustment for year-end accruals and  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR246

To receive and consider the report of the Town Clerk/C.E.O concerning the priorities of this Committee during 2024/25.

The Committee received the detailed report of the Town Clerk/CEO along with a verbal update concerning the Committee Objectives & Work Plan for 2024/25.

A Member thanked Officers for their continued hard work pressing West Oxfordshire District Council to take over projects in order for them to achieve delivery.

The Head  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR247

To receive and consider the report of the Operations Manager concerning the current position of West Witney Sports Ground Cricket pitch.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Operations Manager regarding the use of the Council’s sports pitches at West Witney Sports Ground for Cricket by Witney Swifts.

The Head of Estates & Operations gave a verbal summary to Members confirming that the Works Team had achieved the necessary standard  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR248

(Cllr Treloar left the meeting at 6:40pm)

To receive and consider the report of the Projects Officer/Head of Estates & Operations concerning the progress of projects under the remit of this Committee being undertaken by the Council or Stakeholders.

The Committee received and considered  the report of the Project Officer regarding the major projects within the Town along with a verbal update from the Head of Estates & Operations (HE&O)

Leys Skatepark

Members were pleased to hear that the £57,975 grant provided by the FCC Communities Foundation  was due  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR249

To consider and if appropriate, to pass the following resolution:

That in accordance with section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, and as extended by Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting because of the  ...  view the full agenda text for item PR250

Resolved:

That, in accordance with section (1(2) of the Public Bodies (admission to Meetings) Act 1960, and as extended by Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting because of the confidential nature of the following business to be transacted.  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR250

(Members of the public left the meeting at 7:04pm)

To receive the confidential report of the Town Clerk/C.E.O.

The Committee received and considered the confidential report of the Town Clerk/CEO provided on future ownership and management of sports pitch provisions in the town.

Members were pleased to receive a comprehensive summary of the progress of discussions between the Town Clerk and West Oxfordshire District Council. Each of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR251