Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Michael Henderson-Begg, Michael Page, Elizabeth Rogula and James Tumbridge.

There were no declarations.

To receive the Order of the Court of Common Council, 19 April 2012, appointing the Committee and approving its terms of reference (Copy attached).

The Order of the Court of Common Council of 19 April 2012, appointing the Committee and approving its terms of reference was received.

To elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 29.

The Committee proceeded to elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 29.

The Town Clerk read out a list of Members eligible to stand as Chairman and Hugh Morris, being the only Member indicating his willingness to serve, was duly elected Chairman for the ensuing year, and took the Chair.

The Chairman welcomed Alderman Sir John Stuttard, Deputy Giles Shilson and Chris Punter to their first meeting and thanked Alderman Gordon Haines, Deputy John Barker and Ms Marianne Fredericks for their contribution to the Committee.

To elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 30.

The Committee proceeded to elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No.30.

The Town Clerk read out a list of Members eligible to stand as Deputy Chairman. Two Members indicated their willingness to serve and, therefore, a ballot was taken. Mr Tumbridge, who had given his apologies for the meeting, had expressed, in writing, his wish to stand.

The results were as follows:

Michael Hudson          17

James Tumbridge       9

Michael Hudson was declared to have been elected Deputy Chairman for the ensuing year.

To appoint the Reference Sub Committee for the ensuing year.

Members proceeded to appoint the Reference Sub Committee for the ensuing year.

RESOLVED – That the Reference Sub Committee be comprised of the following Members:

John Brewster

Nigel Challis

Anthony Llewelyn-Davies

Deputy Robin Eve

Brian Harris

Deputy Pauline Halliday

Deputy Joyce Nash

Together with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 28 February 2012 (Copy attached).

The public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 28 February 2012 were approved.

Report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection (copy attached).

A report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection which updated Members on the progress in achieving the objectives set out in the annual Performance Plan for the 3rd period in 2011/12 (December – March inclusive) was considered. The principal subjects covered in the report were:

•               NABMA’s views on the government’s new Planning Policy Framework;

•               Smithfield lease negotiations and;

•               The Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In response to a question by a Member, the Director pointed out that following a serious accident, the debrief from the Health and Safety Executive had been positive.

In relation to Smithfield Market it was noted that efforts were being made to look at sustainability issues as had been done at both Billingsgate and Spitalfields Markets.

A discussion took place and it was noted that the attendance management figures for 2011/12 would be corrected.

RESOLVED – That Members note the contents of the report.

Report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection (copy attached).

A report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection which detailed the Business Plan for 2012-15 for the Department of Markets & Consumer Protection was considered. The Business Plan consisted of an overarching plan which contained information relating to the whole Department and a separate annex reflecting the responsibilities for the Committee.

RESOLVED – That Members approve the contents of the report and its appendix.

Report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection (copy attached).

A report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection detailing the enforcement activity carried out by the enforcement team within the department at Smithfield Market during the four month period from 1 October 2011 to 31 January 2012.

RESOLVED –That Members note the contents of the report.

Report of the Superintendent, Smithfield Market (copy attached).

A report of the Superintendent, Smithfield Market, seeking approval for the proposed variation of trading hours at Smithfield Market during the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with delegated powers being conferred upon the Town Clerk in conjunction with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Markets Committee for any further variations which may be required during the period of the Games, was considered.

In relation to Billingsgate Market it was noted that the Superintendent had delegated powers to open earlier, if required, and that it would be opening at 02.00 hours. In relation to Spitalfields Market it was noted that the market already opens at midnight and with no intention of opening earlier.

RESOLVED – That Members approve the following: -

a)    The Smithfield Market’s trading hours be varied between the periods Sunday 22 July 2012 until Friday 14 September 2012 opening from midnight until mid-day Monday to Friday as opposed to the current 03.00 hours to mid-day Monday to Friday and;

b)    In the event that during the period, due to changing trading or traffic situations, if further variations to the trading hours are required any such decisions be delegated to the Town Clerk in conjunction with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman to approve. 

Report of the Town Clerk (copy attached).

A report of the Town Clerk detailing the outstanding reference schedule, which is produced on a six-monthly basis, was considered.

RESOLVED – That Members note the contents of the report.

Spitalfields – Rainwater Harvesting Project

In response to a question by a Member, the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection confirmed that this project was underway.

Roof Solar Panels at New Spitalfields Market

It was noted that roof solar panels would be considered and that this item would be added to the outstanding references report.

Possible subsidence at Spitalfields Market

It was noted that a further discussion would take place with the particular Member to clarify the issue raised.

West Poultry Avenue

It was noted that the City Surveyor would keep Members updated on the issues relating to West Poultry Avenue. It was noted, in response to a supplementary question, that the Highways Department would be requested to smarten up the concrete blocks, which were placed in the roadway as a road closure measure.

Smithfield Cycle Event

It was noted that this event would take place on 9 June 2012 and all Members would accordingly be invited to attend.

Forklift Trucks

The Superintendent, Smithfield Market, responded to a question on Forklifts being used on the public highway and the Superintendent explained that, whilst the Market had a certain responsibility where forklifts were being used in the common parts, it was for other authorities such as the City Police to deal with issues relating to the public highway.

Quantity of Meat at Smithfield Market

It was noted that a large quantity of meat had appeared in the Constabulary office at Smithfield Market on the 29/30 March 2012 and that an audit enquiry was in progress.

There were no urgent items.

MOTION: That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

MOTION – That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business 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 as follows:-