Item 3

AT A MEETING of the SIR GEORGE STAUNTON COUNTRY PARK JOINT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE held at Havant on Monday, 21 November 2005.

PRESENT :

Hampshire County Council

p Councillor E. F. Gale ( Chairman )

Councillor Mrs. A Buckley

Councillor Mrs. A. Edwards

p Councillor I.F.E. Beagley

p R.C. McIntosh

East Hampshire District Council

p Councillor Mrs. D.K. Denston

Havant District Council

Councillor K. Moss

Also in attendance: Councillor Mrs. E.M. Byrom

13 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were mindful that, where they believed that they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should, normally at the time of the debate, declare their interest and , having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9,10,11 and 12 of the County Council's code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed. Any declaration to be made at the time of the debate.

14 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Joint Management Committee (JMC) held on 13 June 2005 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Matters arising:


(a) Leigh Park Gardens - Proposals for restoration

On Minute 9 Members requested that publicity be given for the Country Park in the "Hampshire Now" magazine.

15 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman referred to a letter from Mr. A. Neve, Technical Director of Portsmouth Water Ltd concerning the Company's Havant Thicket Winter Storage Reservoir, which had been discussed at the last Stakeholder Forum. Regular updates would be made to future meetings of the Stakeholder Forum.


16 DEPUTATIONS

There were none.


17 NOTES OF THE STAKEHOLDER FORUM - 30 OCTOBER 2005

The Notes of the Stakeholder Forum held on 30 October 2005 (Item 6 in the Minute Book) were received and noted.

The Head of the Countryside Service raised the issue of widening the representation of the Stakeholder Forum. Members supported the proposal in principle and welcomed the following suggestions:-


· That consideration be given to inclusion of headmasters of local schools and Chairman of School Governors


· The involvement of and possible financial contributions from Portsmouth City Council be sought


· That participation of Healthy Life Style Groups be encouraged


· Expert speakers be invited to contribute their specialist knowledge


· The possibility of evening meetings be explored to improve accessibility of the Stakeholders Forum to some sections of the community


Officers undertook to give the matters further consideration and seek legal advice regarding constitutional aspects of the proposals to involve wider representation on a more formal basis in the future.


18 PARK MANAGER'S REPORT

The Committee considered the report of the Park Manager (Item 7 in the Minute Book) outlining work undertaken since June 2005.

The appointment of the Marketing Officer had enabled the Park to achieve good publicity, particularly in "The News" Portsmouth. Although Conference business was yet to develop, a number of wedding receptions had been held and this business was to be expanded.

A detailed discussion ensued on the proposed pricing strategy for 2006/07, and whilst appreciating that core entrance fees should be increased by 8%, Members wished to make the following amendments, to reflect special needs and circumstances of certain categories of visitors, with average increases of 3% for:-


· Senior Citizens

· Special Needs visitors


RESOLVED:


a. That the 2006/07 maximum charge as set out in Appendix A of the report (attached), as amended, be approved


b. That, the extension of the in-house catering operation until the end of 2006/07 financial year be approved.


c. That, the application for a Premises Licence under the 2003 Licensing Act be approved.


19 REVISED BUDGET 2005/06 AND DRAFT BUDGET 2006/07

The Committee considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 8 in the Minute Book) presenting the revised budget for 2005/06 and a draft forward budget for 2006/07.

The Treasurer reported that income was down against budget and that the catering operation had fallen short of targets due to a lack of conference business. It had been a difficult year and the surplus would be lower than forecast. The Park's finances were expected to break even, but the deficit would not be reduced.

There would be a 4.2% overall increase in pay costs in 2006/07. It would be realistic to budget for a surplus in the region of £10,000, but this would require a corresponding increase in visitors and fees.

Members were appreciative of the reduction in reliance on partner contributions from 57% (in 1998/99) to 25% (in 2006/07) of gross expenditure of the Park.

Officers were requested to approach Portsmouth City Council to invite a representative to attend the Stakeholder Forum and to seek a financial contribution to the Park's funds. A letter was to be prepared for the Chairman to sign and this was to be sent to the appropriate portfolio holder.

RESOLVED:


a. That, the revised budget for 2005/06 as set out in Appendices A and B of the report be approved.


b. That, the partner contributions for 2006/07 as set out in Appendices A and C of the report be approved.


20 BUSINESS PLAN MONITORING REPORT

The Committee considered and noted the report of the Park Manager (Item 9 in the Minute Book) outlining the Business Plan for 2007.

Members complemented the Park Manager on the production of the Comprehensive Business Plan.


21 NOTES OF THE OFFICERS' MANAGEMENT MEETING - 2 NOVEMBER 2005

The Committee received the Notes of the Officers' Management Meeting held on 2 November 2005 (Item 10 in the Minute Book).


22 DATES OF JMC MEETINGS FOR 2006

Tuesday, 13 June 2006 at 10.00 a.m.

Tuesday, 21 November 2006 at 10.00 a.m.

Venue - Sir George Staunton Country Park.

4JM761105