Operations & Improvements Committee Meeting

RESOLVED: That Cllr Messent is elected as chair of the committee

RESOLVED: That Cllr Mackay is elected as deputy chair of the committee

None

Cllr Yates declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 13 as a member of the associated steering group

Cllr Mackay declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 8 as a member of the Crewe Heritage Centre

Cllr Kevin Murray declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 8 as a member of the Crewe Heritage Centre

It was noted that only 1 member of the previous committee administration was present (Cllr Coiley)

Minutes accepted as drafted having been circulated and published

Mr Peter Kent addressed the committee about the heritage group, and recounted successes. He announced that he would step down as chair of the Heritage Group and was thanked by committee. He introduced Rev Rob Wykes as new chair.

Noted

 RESOLVED:

i.  That Heritage Group’s nominations of Rob Wykes to the role of Chair and Peter Kent to the role of Vice Chair are approved.

ii.  That the request from Cheshire Wildlife Trust for funding of £1110 to run activities for the Heritage Open Days Festival from 473 7281 Heritage Community Support is approved.

iii. That a contribution of £1,000 to Cheshire Women’s Collaboration on behalf of the “A statue for Ada” group from 473 7281 Heritage Community Support is approved.

[Cllr Dennis Straine Francis joined the meeting during this item]

RESOLVED:

i.   That approval is given to purchase additional self-watering baskets up to

£3000 from 310 4180 Floral Schemes.

ii.   That approval is given to support the Cheshire Wildlife Trust wild flower

project at Queens park to purchase and install interpretation materials up to

the value of £800 from 473/4721 public realm.

iii.   That the committee supports the principle of investment and improvement at Victoria Square, but seeks that the responsible bodies as the landlord and the tenant (Cheshire East and ASDA respectively) are contacted to clarify their work towards addressing the dilapidation of the site and the anticipated future provision/works that are expected.

iv.   That approval is given to support animation and cultural activity in the Autumn half

term £6000 from 307 4186 regeneration projects.

v.   That an offer of £250 match funding should an Arts Council application by Bent Architect be successful for a performance project in empty properties – from 307 4186 regeneration projects is noted. (Support of additional development and realisation costs is subject to further approval if the application is successful).

RESOLVED:

i.    The Committee agrees with the principle of seeking to devolve appropriate local assets and services currently provided by CEC

ii.   The clerk informs CEC that it wishes to enter into discussions

iii.   The clerk identifies those functions and services which could be considered for devolution

iv.    That a project briefing group be formed comprising of Cllr Yates, Cllr Hogben, Cllr Mortimer, Cllr Murray.

RESOLVED:

i.    To delegate use of earmarked reserve of £771 to Regeneration Manager in consultation with Ward Councillors for community activity or contribution to seating at Frank Webb Avenue.

ii.  That investment in Brookhouse Drive (Pebblebrook) play area is chosen as the next park for investment funding

Additional:

RESOLVED: That standing orders are suspended to enable the meeting to complete the agenda beyond the 2 hour meeting threshold.

Report noted

 RESOLVED: That, while no success is guaranteed, Members support proceeding to ballot with all three areas included.

Noted.