PAPER F
MINUTES OF RYDE TOWN COUNCIL’S
ACQUISITION AND COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
HELD ON THURSDAY 17 JUNE 2021 AT 2.00PM
AT GARFIELD ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, RYDE
Present:
Cllrs Phil Jordan (Chair), Michael Lilley, John McLagan, Simon Cooke,
Richard May, Jenna Sabrine
In Attendance:
Liz Dutton (Minutes), Allan Bridges (Business Development Manager), Lisa Dyer
(Clerk) (part)
3 Members of the public
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
A member of the public asked a question about the purpose of the Committee. The Chairman
responded and the Clerk confirmed that the Committee led on and managed the Council’s
acquisitions and commercial activities.
21/21
ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
Cllr Jordon was nominated and seconded for Chairman. There being no
further nominations it was
RESOLVED:
That Cllr Jordan be elected as Chairman
ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN
Cllr Cooke was nominated and seconded for Vice Chairman. There being
no further nominations it was
RESOLVED:
That Cllr Cooke be elected as Vice Chairman
22/21
APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Cllr Chapman
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23/21 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations received at this stage
24/21 REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATIONS
None were received
25/21 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 March 2021 were reviewed.
RESOLVED:
THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2021 were approved as a true and
accurate record and were signed by the Chairman.
26/21 MEMBERS QUESTIONS
Cllr Lilley asked for an update on Ryde Harbour. The Business Development Manager
responded by saying there had been positive meetings held with IWC and matters relating
to the re-siting of the harbour office, licensing issues and dredging were moving towards
a resolution.
27/21 TERMS OF REFERENCE
The terms of reference were noted.
28/21 EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS
RESOLVED:
That in accordance with Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s1 (2)
and Standing Order no. 3(d), the public and press be temporarily excluded for the
following items in view of the confidential nature of the business to be discussed.
Once the public had left the room the Chairman informed members he believed that some of these
agenda items could be discussed in public and why some could not. A decision was taken to allow
some of these items to take place in the public part of the meeting and the public re-entered the room.
29/21 UPDATE FROM THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
An update was given regarding the planned activities and events for the summer on the
beach and surrounding area and also the legal advice received regarding the possible
formation of a CIC.
30/21 PHONE BOX, LIND STREET
Consideration was given to the report to adopt a phone box in Lind Street. There were a
number of limitations outlined in the report namely the kiosk was listed and in very close
proximity to windows of residential buildings. Members wished to consult the public on
possible uses and the concepts of a tourist information point and having a dedicated help
point were raised. Mention was also made of the kiosk being incorporated into the HAZ
project.
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RESOLVED:
That the Town Council undertakes consultation for possible uses for the
phone box and for the adoption to proceed.
31/21
UPDATE ON DECKCHAIRS
The Business Development Manager gave an update on the deckchair concession.
Planning consent for the storage container had been received and the container would be
arriving in the near future. The final proof for the windbreak had been received. A quote
had been obtained for some banners. The sun loungers had arrived but a large number
had been damaged in transit. Orders for paddleboards and kayaks had been placed,
uniforms were being looked into and insurance had been agreed. Training days for new
staff were to be arranged. It was suggested that the original deckchair attendants be invited
to any launch event. The Committee expressed their thanks to the Business Development
Manager for taking forward this project.
32/21
STRATEGIC PLAN
Members were informed that IWC were pushing ahead with developing a strategic plan for
the Island. It was noted that IWC held an asset register and this should brought to a future
Town Council meeting for opportunities to be discussed and explored in relation to assets
held in the Ryde area. The Town Council were keen to progress the Memorandum of
Understanding with IWC to minimise delay and costs to future projects. During the
discussion the Chairman raised the matter of the feasibility study being carried out in
relation to the Town Hall (Ryde Theatre) and it was agreed to form a task and finish group
to meet with stakeholders and progress matters and report back to the Committee. The
Business Development Manager was working on a strategy of work and projects for the
Town Council and this would be considered at a future meeting.
RESOLVED:
(i)
That a Task and Finish group be established to move forward with the
feasibility study and to meet with stakeholders for this purpose.
(ii)
That Cllrs Jordon and McLagan be elected to this task and finish group
and to report back to members.
33/21
EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS
RESOLVED:
That in accordance with Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s1 (2)
and Standing Order no. 3(d), the public and press be temporarily excluded for the
following items in view of the confidential nature of the business to be discussed.
34/21 POTENTIAL CAR PARK PURCHASES
The committee were informed that one of these sites was no longer on the market. However if
the site came back on to the market the matter would be reconsidered.
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Consideration was given to the other site but after reviewing the purchase price together with
possible income generation it was agreed that there was not sufficient return on investment to
take the proposal forward at this time. The reports were noted.
RESOLVED:
Not to proceed with the proposal at the current time.
35/21 PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES
Consideration was given to the proposals set out in the report. The Committee confirmed its
intention to become a provider of social housing in the long term to the proposal of using a third
party to deal with the rental and other associated matters.
RESOLVED:
That proposals (i) and (ii) as set out in the report be approved.
36/21 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The Chairman informed members of the move to incorporate the terms of reference of this
Committee into the Finance Committee at some point in the future.
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