Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Simon Duckworth, Deputy Anthony Eskenzi, Alderman Ian Luder, and the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor Alderman Fiona Woolf.

Members held a moment of silence for the late Deputy Robin Eve, who served on this Committee.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 11 October 2013.

The public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 11 October 2013 were considered and approved as a correct record.

Report of the Town Clerk.

Members noted that (b) (i) referred to one representative to sit on annual and extraordinary general meetings as a shareholder, and up to four directors to serve on the Council of Gresham College.

RESOLVED – That the current terms of reference be approved.

To consider the appointment of one representative to the Gresham College Council and the Finance Committee of Gresham College to serve the remainder of a four year term to expire in August 2016.

RESOLVED – That Deputy Dr Giles Shilson be appointed onto the Gresham College Council and the Finance Committee of Gresham College to serve the remainder of a four year term, to expire in August 2016.

Proposal to amend the Articles of Gresham College.

Members discussed the report and noted that the Mercers and City Side would retain control over the Articles should future changes be required.

RESOLVED – That the proposal to amend the Articles of Gresham College be approved.

Report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services.

Members received a report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services which gave an update on the Almshouses in Lambeth. The Sheltered Housing Manager reported that a major piece of work on the roadway was required to address ongoing problems with tree roots and that it was hoped electricity for street lighting, and possibly electric gates, could be installed while the road surface was dug up. The lighting would provide better visibility for residents using the roadway during the evenings, and the gate would help solve problems with security and access.

In response to Members’ questions the Sheltered Housing Manager reported that the project was at too early a stage to give approximate costs, and that planning permission might be required from Lambeth Council for the changes to the gate but not for the road repairs. With reference to road work carried out outside the Gresham Almshouses a few years ago to address problems with tree roots, the Sheltered Housing Manager reported that there was a problem with trees not taking up water. As a result the ground was saturated, which was causing ground subsidence. A Member expressed strong support for the need to carry out a study of the maintenance works required relating to the trees and road.

In response to a question from the Chairman, the Sheltered Housing Manager advised that there was no policy that required residents of the Gresham Almshouses to have a connection with the City. Members noted that, as Trustees of the Almshouses, the Housing Management & Almshouses Sub Committee decided which applicants were chosen, and that if an existing link to the City was a requirement there would be problem finding enough applicants to fill the spaces.

RESOLVED – That:

a)    issues with security issues and access to the Almshouses site be prioritised;

There were no questions.

There was no other business.

MOTION - That under Section 100A 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 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED – That, under Section 100A 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 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

                        Item Nos.                                                        Exempt Paragraph(s)

                        11 - 15                                                                         3

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 11 October 2013.

The non-public minutes of the meeting held on 11 October 2013 were considered and approved as a correct record.  

Report of the Town Clerk.

RESOLVED – That the report of the Town Clerk be noted.

The Committee considered the various items on the agenda for the meeting of the Joint Grand Gresham Committee that day.

There were no questions.

There was no other business.