Agenda and minutes

The Chairman informed those present of the actions required in the event of a fire or emergency.

a.  To receive any declarations from Members of any registerable (5A of the Code of Conduct) and/or non-registerable (5B) interests in matters to be considered at this meeting.

b.  The Town Clerk to receive written requests for dispensations prior to the start of the meeting for consideration.

a.  To receive any declarations from Members of any registerable (5A of the Code of Conduct) and/or non-registerable (5B) interests in matters to be considered at this meeting.

None.

b.  The Town Clerk to receive written requests for dispensations prior to the start of the meeting for consideration.

None.

Please note: Any member of the public requiring to put a question to the Town Council must do so by 12 noon the day before the meeting.

None received.

Please see a copy of the minutes on the STC website or request to see a copy at the Guildhall.

It was proposed by Councillor Bullock and seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Station Property Sub Committee held on 17^th May 2023 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

The Finance Officer informed Members of the current budget statement contained within the circulated reports pack.

It was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Bickford and RESOLVED:

1.  To note the budget statement;

2.  To vire £409 from 6800 Rates to 6810 General Repairs and Maintenance to allow for any additional expenditure for repairs and maintenance to Isambard House for the year 2023/2024.

The Chairman announced the next item of business to be received is Agenda Item 13 - To receive an update on Isambard House Concessionaire and consider any actions and associated expenditure. 

Councillor Bickford informed Members on the report received and contained within the circulated reports pack.

Councillor Bickford spoke of the recently held site meeting with the Cornish Rail Coffee Company and their proposal confirmed by their Board to operate Isambard House waiting room, kitchen, and fully accessible toilet from March 2024 onwards;

Members thoroughly debated the various options outlined in the report and considered every option in detail.

Members agreed the option to leave the facilities unmanned is not viable due to insurance reasons and potential high risk to the building.

Councillor Yates left the meeting.

Members discussed the various implications if the waiting room, kitchen, and fully accessible toilet were to open in partnership with voluntary groups on an ad hoc basis.  Members agreed the work involved would be excessive and possibly not achievable due to the short period between now and March 2024.

Councillor Yates returned to the meeting.

Councillor Foster left the meeting.

Councillor Bickford informed Members of conversations held with Cornwall Council and confirmed they are content with the perimeters of the funding agreement as long as there is a continued commitment from Saltash Town Council to open the passenger facilities at some point. Cornwall Council understand the challenges Saltash Town Council currently face.

Councillor Foster returned to the meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Foster and RESOLVED:

1.  To delegate to the Town Clerk to open further discussions with the Cornish Rail Coffee Company to engage in the operations of the waiting room, kitchen, and fully accessible toilet at Isambard House in March 2024;

2.  To continue to leave the waiting room, kitchen, and fully accessible toilet closed, but to continue to support daytime voluntary groups opening the space as requested;

3.  To promote the opportunity for voluntary groups to use the space.

Members considered the Station Property strategic priorities to form part of the Town Council’s Business Plan Appendix – Activity Plan.

It was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED to approve the Station Property Sub Committee priorities as follows:

Boosting Jobs and Economic Prosperity

·         Promote Saltash as a vibrant and welcoming visitor destination with provisions of Isambard House café and waiting room area;

·         Bring in additional investment by offering a focal meeting point at the Station and in close proximity to Fore Street.

Travel and Transport

·         Promote Saltash as a vibrant and welcoming visitor destination with provisions of Isambard House café and waiting room area;

·         Saltash Station is a key transport hub to the town;

·         Embark on a community project for the installation of further connectivity by installing EV Charging Points, Beryl Bikes and Solar Car Ports and Roof within the Station car park;

·         Continue to support and promote the towns 450 local bus service providing better connectivity.

Climate Emergency

·         To continue to support the Climate Change and Environmental Working Group with free use of Isambard House;

·         To lead by example by Isambard House being well insulated when refurbished with further investments to install Solar PV and Water Systems to assist in reducing energy bills and Co2 emissions.

Recreation and Leisure

·         Increase cultural activity by providing a restored historical building (Isambard House) to hold events offering low rates to hire the building;

·         Create an annual events calendar to better utilise the building.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Bickford and resolved to RECOMMEND to the Services Committee to be held on 12th October 2023 the Station Property Sub Committee Fees and Charges for the year 2024-25 subject to including hire charges for Saltash and non Saltash based art exhibitions as attached.

The Finance Officer informed Members of the budget statement for the year 2024/25 contained within the circulated reports pack.

Members discussed the budget setting for the year 2024/25.

It was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Gillies and resolved to RECOMMEND to the Services Committee to be held on 12^th October 2023 the Station Property Sub Committee Budget Statement for the year 2024/25 including additional amendments as attached.

Nothing to report.

a.  Car park resurfacing;

(Pursuant to Station Property held on 17.05.23 minute nr. 13/23/24a)

Members discussed the significant costs provided in the quotes received and spoke of the importance of water run-off from the Station Property Car Park.

Members further considered the infrastructure of the car park and the possibilities of EV charging stations as well as provisions being made available for Beryl Bikes. Members agreed the need for a secure car park is evident however at this stage an alternative temporary solution is required.

It was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED to delegate to the Town Clerk to work within the budget at a reasonable cost to improve the security of the Station car park including improved ground level bollards and possible planters allocated to budget code 6473 EMF Station Building (Purchase & Capital Works) reporting back at a future meeting.

b.  Kitchenette;

(Pursuant to Station Property held on 17.05.23 minute nr. 13/23/24d)

It was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and RESOLVED to defer to a future Station Property meeting subject to the appointment of a Café Concessionaire.

c.   Internal metre supply;

(Pursuant to Station Property held on 17.05.23 minute nr. 13/23/24c)

It was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED to defer to a future meeting subject to the appointment of a Café Concessionaire.

d.  Solar PV;

(Pursuant to Station Property held on 17.05.23 minute nr. 13/23/24c)

It was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED to defer to the newly appointed Service Delivery Manager to investigate Solar PV options reporting back at a future meeting.

(Pursuant to Station Property held on 23.03.23 minute nr. 49/22/23 and Station Property held on held on 17.05.23 minute nr. 10/23/24)

The Chairman informed Members that Cormac postponed the scheduled meeting to review the flooring repair work.  Future date to be confirmed.

The Chairman confirmed following a review of the repair work within an eight week period it was agreed the repair is not satisfactory with Cormac being informed.

Members discussed various flooring options that could be used with the view that Cormac should now provide a suitable flooring solution at their cost.

It was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and RESOLVED to delegate to the Town Clerk working with the Chairman and Vice Chairman to arrange a meeting with Cormac to discuss a way forward to cover the flooring in the main building and waiting room area.

To resolve that pursuant to Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to meetings) Act 1960 the public and press leave the meeting because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

To resolve that pursuant to Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the public and press leave the meeting because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

None.

To resolve that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting.

To resolve that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting.

None.

It was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Foster and RESOLVED to issue the following Press and Social Media Releases:

1.  Town Council to work in partnership with voluntary groups to operate the waiting room, fully accessible toilet, and kitchen area.