It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Mrs Ring.

There were no Visiting Members.

There were no disclosures by Members and Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

RESOLVED:  That the items on the agenda be taken in public as proposed.

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting held on 20 November 2009 be approved as a correct record and signed.

That the Consultant be informed that if the information is not received by 7 February 2010, the contract will be terminated.

DECISION MADE:

That the Consultant be informed that if the information is not received by 7 February 2010, the contract will be terminated.

That the estimates for the financial year 2010/11 be approved and that provision be included for the following items as discussed at the meeting:-

• Cobtree Manor Park Events Programme - £2,200.

• Garden Cottage – Repairs, Reinstatement and Associated Costs -

Costings Subject to Further Report.

• Cobtree Manor Park Gate Locking/Unlocking – Costings Subject to Further Report.

DECISION MADE:

That the estimates for the financial year 2010/11 be approved and that provision be included for the following items as discussed at the meeting:-

• Cobtree Manor Park Events Programme - £2,200.

• Garden Cottage – Repairs, Reinstatement and Associated Costs -

Costings Subject to Further Report.

• Cobtree Manor Park Gate Locking/Unlocking – Costings Subject to Further Report.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Finance setting out details of the financial position in respect of the Golf Course and the Manor Park as at 30 November 2009.  The report also included details of capital expenditure and the projected loan repayment position to 30 November 2009.  It was noted that with regard to the Golf Course, there was a variance on employee costs of £13,287.  This was due to the profile of the budget being incorrect following the re-letting of the management contract.  The profile would be adjusted and it was anticipated that there would be no significant variance at the end of the financial year.  In terms of the Manor Park, there was still an overspend on the premises costs heading due to unanticipated expenditure being incurred in respect of a replacement boiler at 3 Stream Cottages and underpinning at Garden Cottage.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

1.  That the progress report be noted.

2.  That the sum of £2,200 be included in the draft estimates for 2010/11 to cover costs associated with the proposed events programme.

3.  That the draft aims and objectives for the proposed Park Management Plan be noted.

4.  That Boxley Parish Council be approached to discuss the possibility of it being involved in a practical way in the development of the Park.

DECISION MADE:

1.  That the progress report be noted.

2.  That the sum of £2,200 be included in the draft estimates for 2010/11 to cover costs associated with the proposed events programme.

3.  That the draft aims and objectives for the proposed Park Management Plan be noted.

4.  That Boxley Parish Council be approached to discuss the possibility of it being involved in a practical way in the development of the Park.

That the request that the Council acting as Corporate Trustee of the Charity known as the Cobtree Manor Estate surrender its leasehold interest in the property known as Forstal Villa for a nominal consideration be refused.

DECISION MADE:

That the request that the Council acting as Corporate Trustee of the Charity known as the Cobtree Manor Estate surrender its leasehold interest in the property known as Forstal Villa for a nominal consideration be refused.

1.  That the Officers be requested to seek competitive tenders for the required works to and reinstatement of Garden Cottage and estimates for all other associated costs.

2.  That the Officers should liaise with Councillor Greer regarding the  proposed works and tender documentation.

DECISION MADE:

1.  That the Officers be requested to seek competitive tenders for the required works to and reinstatement of Garden Cottage and estimates for all other associated costs.

2.  That the Officers should liaise with Councillor Greer regarding the  proposed works and tender documentation.

That agreement be given to expenditure of £4,000 in the current financial year in respect of the locking and unlocking of the gates at the entrance to the Cobtree Manor Park and that a further report be submitted to the  Committee at the earliest opportunity addressing the arrangements from April 2010 onwards.

DECISION MADE:

That agreement be given to expenditure of £4,000 in the current financial year in respect of the locking and unlocking of the gates at the entrance to the Cobtree Manor Park and that a further report be submitted to the  Committee at the earliest opportunity addressing the arrangements from April 2010 onwards.

That no further action be taken with regard to the negotiation of an extension to the term of the existing management contract in respect of the Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course.

DECISION MADE:

That no further action be taken with regard to the negotiation of an extension to the term of the existing management contract in respect of the Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course.

2.00 p.m. to 3.20 p.m.