IN RYDE BAPTIST CHURCH, GEORGE STREET
Members Present: Cllr Jo Elliott, Cllr Richard May, Cllr Malcolm Ross, Cllr Phil Jordan (Chair), Cllr Diana Conyers, Cllr Michael Lilley
Also in Attendance: Tara Bloomfield (Responsible Financial Officer), Robert Clark (Finance Assistant), Ilze van der Merwe (Apprentice Receptionist and Digital Marketing)
Members of the Public - 4
PUBLIC & MEMBERS QUESTIONS
A member of the public asked how Ryde Town Council came to the decision of an architect for the Natwest Bank. The RFO explained that they sent out a spec for quotes and an architect that they have a previous working relationship with involving St Thomas’ was chosen as they were the most competitive.
Another member of the public enquired as to what the budget was for the conversion of Natwest Bank now that the structural engineer report was received. It was also asked whether it would be done in stages. The RFO explained that it would be done in stages and that they have basic estimate quote in from a contractor tasked with St Thomas’ Church, but this was done without architect drawings. It was stated that when the architect has prepared a package, the tenders will be sent out. It was then asked what the timescale for the transfer would be, to which the RFO stated as soon as possible, but realistically the tender process can take some time.
It was asked directly whether Ryde Town Council believed it was a bad decision to take over Ryde Marina from the County Council. Cllr Jordan suggested that it had been acquired for a great deal as it had been at risk of being taken over by a commercial marina. He continued to say that it was a good investment and Ryde Town Council had made some large improvements to the Marina. Cllr Ross added that the council has been let down by the electricity boards which added to delays in offering this service. He recognised that sand continues to be a problem and that RTC is catching up with twenty years of neglect by the IWC.
A member of the public brought up the issue of sand in the marina being blocked up after six weeks. Cllr Jordan responded by saying that Ryde Town Council is aware of the problem.
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Apologies received from Cllr Cooke, Cllr Lucioni and Cllr Higgins and Cllr Carter who substituted in Cllr Conyers.
None declared.
None requested.
The minutes to the previous meetings held on 12 March 2024 were reviewed.
RESOLVED:
The list of payments for 01/02/2024-31/03/2024 were presented and approved.
The bank reconciliations for the period 29/02/2024-31/03/2024 were presented and approved.
The committee were asked to review and recommend to Full Council the updated asset register.
RESOLVED:
The committee were asked to ratify the decision to renew the insurance at Ryde Marina with Velos Insurance Services Ltd for a total cost of £9,290.
RESOLVED:
The committee were asked to approve spend to clear the build-up of sand at Ryde Marina that is preventing access to the entrance. The cost of this is £1,400 + VAT per tide with the recommended contractor K Coghlan.
RESOLVED:
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The committee were asked to approve the increased costs of the replacement steps to access the Lifeguard Station of £14,017 vs £9,750, due to the price of steel increasing by 40% since the original quote given last year.
RESOLVED:
The committee were asked to approve the revised spend approval limits assigned to staff. The RFO explained that this was due to staff responsibilities changing and the number of large projects increasing at Ryde Town Council.
RESOLVED:
The committee were asked to approve the proposed contract award for Architectural Services for the renovations of the former Natwest Building. Cllr Lilley asked if it would be possible to have a noticeboard to tell the public what was going on with the building. The RFO responded by saying that in the summer, the building will be open for consultation works with the public which will show the proposed plans. These can also be displayed on the exterior of the building. It was noted that it would be good to have a date when the toilets will open to the public.
RESOLVED:
The committee were presented with the un-audited accounts for the year ending 31/03/24 and asked to recommend it to Full Council.
RESOLVED:
The committee were presented with the updated reserves movement and statement as at 31/03/2024 and asked to recommend it to Full Council.
RESOLVED:
The committee were presented with Section 2 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) and were asked to recommend it to Full Council.
RESOLVED:
To be confirmed pending annual council meeting.
This section was asked by Cllr Lilley to be added to the next agenda.
Cllr Conyers asked for an update on the Esplanade toilets opening, as well as the questions over what had happened to the Portaloo’s. It was answered that the contract still needed to be resolved between RTC and Southwest Trains legal team. The Portaloo’s were removed by Isle of Wight Council.
Cllr Lilley asked for an update with the AEW Building being added to the list of properties for the enforcement officer to pursue. This was to be followed up.
Cllr Lilley asked for an update on Appley Beach toilets being repaired, to which the RFO responded that works had started and she would check the status of them. He also asked when the Appley sand park would re-open and if there could be a notice put up of the opening/closing times. Cllr Jordan said he would investigate this in his capacity as Isle of Wight Councillor.