Agenda and minutes

Ahead of the business of the Committee a period of reflection was held for Mr John Hickman.

John passed away in August having served the Council as an Officer for many years.

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 PR473

An apology for absence was received from Councillor O Collins.

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.

Councillor D Newcombe declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 as he was a member of Witney Rifle Club, based at West Witney Sports Ground Projectile Range.

There were no other declarations from Members or Officers

a) To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Parks & Recreation Committee held on 1 July 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 1 July 2024 were received.

PR365 – In response to a Members question, the Deputy Town Clerk confirmed that the arrangements for the Licence agreement with Witney Swifts Cricket Club were ongoing.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Parks  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR475

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.

The Committee adjourned for this item.

The committee received representation from Jeff Hunter of Courtside CIC concerning Agenda Item 10 & 12.

At 6:50pm additional representation was made by a member of Witney Mills Bowls Club concerning Agenda Item 7. The representation was allowed at the discretion of the Chair as  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR476

To receive the report of the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO).

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.

The Committee were pleased to hear the committee’s spending was in line with the agreed yearly budget.

A Member raised that cost centre 206  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR477

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Deputy Town Clerk (DTC) which provided details of actions taken in response the residents survey conducted earlier in the year.

The DTC provided a correction to the report to say that the wet pouring of the new entrance surface at the  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR478

To receive correspondence from Witney Mills Bowls Club concerning improvements at West Witney Sports Ground.

The Committee received and considered correspondence from Witney Mills Bowls Club regarding a request for their facilities to be improved as part of the development of the new Council works depot.

Members also heard from a member of the Witney Mills Bowls Club explaining the history of the club and  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR479

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

The Committee received and considered the report and verbal update of the Deputy Town Clerk which provided an update on the Council’s sports pitches and the administration of sports bookings.

The Leader thanked the Booking and Operation Teams for the work they did despite the criticism they face particularly when  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR480

To receive the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

The Committee received the report of the Deputy Town Clerk along with verbal updates from him and the Operations Manager regarding the security of facilities following two unauthorised traveller encampments during the year.

Members heard that a replacement gate for Burwell Recreation Ground had been ordered and would be installed  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR481

To receive the report of the Project Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report along with a verbal explanation of its content from the Project Officer.

Wheeled Sports Park

The date of the Street Art Competition had been amended at the request of the supporting partner to 5 October 2024. This would allow more experienced national artists  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR482

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 PR483

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 PR483

To receive a confidential update on The Leys Hub project from Courtside Hubs

The Committee received the confidential report prepared by Courtside CIC on the progress of the Leys community hub development. Members had also earlier received a verbal update from Jeff Hunter, CEO of Courtside CIC during the public participation item.

Members expressed their disappointment at the delay in commencement of construction  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR484