Agenda and minutes

It was proposd by Deputy Kevin Everett and seconded by Deputy Tom Hoffman that Alderman Robert Howard takes the chair.

Apologies were received from Barbara Newman.

There were none.

To receive the Order of the Court of Common Council dated 16 July 2020 appointing the Committee and setting its Terms of Reference.

Members received the Order of the Court dated 16 July 2020 appointing the Committee and setting its Terms of Reference.

To elect a Chair in accordance with Standing Order 29.

Members elected a Chair in accordance with Standing Order 29.

RESOLVED, that – being the only Member willing to serve, Deputy Wendy Hyde be elected as Chair for the ensuing year.

To elect a Deputy Chair in accordance with Standing Order 30.

Members elected a Deputy Chair in accordance with Standing Order 30.

RESOLVED, that – being the only Member willing to serve, Jeremy Simons be elected as Deputy Chair for the ensuing year.

To agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the previous meeting held on 13 July 2020.

RESOLVED, that – the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 July 2020 be agreed as a correct record.

Report of the Town Clerk & Chief Executive.

Members considered a report of the Town Clerk & Chief Executive relative to the appointments to the Benefices Sub-Committee, Keats House Consultative Committee and City Arts Initiative.

Benefices Sub-Committee:

In addition to the Chair and Deputy Chair, the following Members were appointed to the Benefices Sub-Committee for the ensuing year:

1.    Simon Duckworth (confirmed subsequent to the meeting)

2.    Deputy Kevin Everett

3.    Caroline Haines

4.    Rev Stephen Haines

5.    Ann Holmes

6.    Alderman Gregory Jones (confirmed subsequent to the meeting)

7.    Deputy Edward Lord

8.    Stephen Quilter

9.    James De Sausmarez

10.  Ian Seaton 

Keats House Consultative Committee:

In addition to the Chair and Deputy Chair, the following Members were appointed to the Keats House Consultative Committee for the ensuing year:

1.    Vivienne Littlechild

2.    Dawn Wright

City Arts Initiative:

In addition to the Chair and Deputy Chair, the following Members were appointed to the City Arts Initiative for the ensuing year:

1.    Judith Pleasance

2.    Deputy Tom Sleigh

Members are asked to note the Committee’s forward plan.

Members received the Committee’s forward plan.

The Cultural and Visitor Development Director to be heard.

(10 minute presentation and questions)

Members received a presentation of the Culture and Visitor Development Director relative to culture and tourism in the City. It was noted the City’s cultural offering gave the City a competitive advantage, however COVID-19 and Brexit continued to pose challenges to the City’s culture sector. A Culture and Commerce Task Force had been created to address the impact on culture, and numerous campaigns were promoting the City as a safe and open place to visit.

RESOLVED, that – the presentation be received and its contents noted.

Presentation of the Paintings Conservator.

(5 miinute presentation and questions)

Members received a presentation of the Guildhall Art Gallery Paintings Conservator relative to the restoration and conservations works for La Ghirlandata. The painting will be on display in the Guildhall Art Gallery for five years, after which time it could be put on loan.

RESOLVED, that – the presentation be received and its contents noted.

Guildhall Artist in Residence to be heard.

(5 minute presentation and questions)

Members received a presentation of the Guildhall Artist in Residence relative to the Celebrating City Women photography exhibition which focused on women in the City of London. It was noted that the next artist in residence had been postponed due to the pandemic.

RESOLVED, that – the presentation be received and its contents noted.

Report of the Director of Major Projects.

Members received a report of the Director of Major Projects relative to the City Business Library Future Strategy 2020-2023.

RESOLVED, that – Members:

1.    approve the strategic direction for the City Business Library as detailed in paragraphs 6-8 of the report;

2.    agree in principle the proposal to change the name, however Members requested further consideration be made for a new name, as there was concern that the proposed name ‘Business Research and Enterprise Centre’ was not agreed by all Members.

Report of the Director of Major Projects.

Members received a report of the Director of Major Projects relative to the London Metropolitan Archives and Guildhall Library Consolidation. Members decided that they did not wish to agree the proposals at this time in their current form, but were supportive of officers continuing to look at the option and asked officers to consult widely and work up more detailed plans to be brought back to Committee at a future date.

RESOLVED, that – the recommendations not be agreed and the matter would be further considered by the Committee at a future meeting.

Head of Tower Bridge to be heard.

(10 minute presentation and questions)

Members received a presentation of the Head of Tower Bridge relative to the performance of Tower Bridge during the first two months since reopening, as the first City visitor attractions to reopen. There had been a significant increase in visitors comparing the first week since reopening in July and the last week of August. 14% capacity at reopening week; then increased to 30% capacity. Tower Bridge continued to operate following Covid-secure guidelines.

RESOLVED, that – the presentation be received and its contents noted.

There were none.

There was no other business.

MOTION, that – under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED, that – under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To agree the non-public minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 July 2020.

RESOLVED, that – the non-public minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 July 2020 be agreed as a correct record.

There were none.

Report of the City Surveyor.

Members received a Gateway 6 report of the City Surveyor relative to building works for the Bridgemasters House Phase 1.

RESOLVED, that – the recommendations be agreed.

Report of the City Surveyor.

Members received a Gateway 6 report of the City Surveyor relative to building works for the Bridgemasters House Phase 2.

RESOLVED, that – the recommendations be agreed.

There were none.

There was no other business.