Agenda and minutes

Councillor Sue Baxter took the lead at the meeting, introducing the other Members and Officers and welcomed the public and applicants that were in attendance. 

It was noted that an apology for absence had been received from Councillor Luke Mallett.

There were no declarations of interest.

Councillor Baxter gave a brief overview of the New Homes Bonus Community Grants Scheme and explained the purpose of this meeting was to give each applicant a five minute time slot in which to present their application and respond to questions from Members. 

Councillor Baxter reiterated that a decision would not be made at this meeting, but applicants would be advised of the Panel’s recommendations within 10 working days and a final decision would be made by Cabinet at its meeting to be held on 7^th September 2016.

It was explained that each Member had been provide with a copy of the Scoring Matrix for each application.  Following the public meeting, the Panel would consider these in more detail and they would form the basis of the recommendations which the Panel would make the Cabinet. 

It was highlighted that a decision as to whether the Panel would recommend any application for consideration by Cabinet at its meeting on 7^th September would not be announced at the meeting.  Applicants would be advised of the outcome within 10 working days, with the notes and recommendations from the meeting also being published on the Council’s website within that time frame.

The timetable highlighted when each application would be considered.

Application 1 – New Benches Catshill Meadow (North West Ward Association)

In the absence of a representative from the North West Ward Association, the Executive Director, Finance and Resources highlighted the salient points within the application.

Members were concerned that the project was underfunded for the quantity of benches that were being installed.

It was also noted that there were a number of applications for both Catshill Wards and the allocation of funding between the two was likely to overlap.  It was therefore agreed that once recommendations had been made, the Chairman would discussed this with the relevant Members.

Application 2 – Garden Renovation (Belbroughton First Steps Nursery)

Again, in the absence of a representative from the Belbroughton First Steps Nursery, the Executive Director, Finance and Resources highlighted the salient points within the application.

Members questioned whether the project had already started as there was reference within the application to work commencing in May.  It was noted that additional funds would be available and that should the Panel not grant the full amount the work would be prioritised accordingly.

Application 3 – Maintenance to Building (Fairfield Village Hall)

Mr Conrad Palmer, Secretary of Fairfield Village Hall attended to present the application.  In so doing he highlighted the history of the Village Hall and the groups which used it, together with details of the range of activities available, with limited space for general hire of the facility. 

Members raised a number of points including concerns that the project was purely maintenance of the building and were informed that if the funds were not forthcoming then monies set aside for other projects would be used to carry out the essential work.

Application 4 – Defibrillator for Hopwood Community Centre (Alvechurch Parish Council)

Cllr Charles Hotham put forward the case for the installation of a defibrillator at Hopwood Community Centre, highlighting that it would be maintained by the Parish Council and had the potential to save lives.  Alvechurch and Barnt Green already had access to a defibrillator and it was felt important that one was fitted at the Community Centre, not just for use by the Centre but also by the wider community if needed.

Members noted that by placing the defibrillator on the outside of the building it would allow it to be accessible 24 hours a day.

Application 5 – 2 x Event Shelters for Picnic in the Park (Alvechurch Parish Council)

In the absence of a representative from Alvechurch Parish Council Members discussed the information before them.  It was noted that the shelters would be used to protect equipment during the Picnic in the Park event, which was a fund raising event, primarily for the Lounge space in Alvechurch village.  It was believed that Picnic in the Park was independent to the Parish Council, and Members asked for clarification as to whether the application was from the Parish Council or in fact the Picnic in the Park group.

Application 6 – Rubery Gets Growing! (Rubery Village Business Association)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6/16