Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Alderman Sir Michael Savory, Mark Boleat, Deputy Stella Currie, Peter Dunphy, Deputy Pauline Halliday, Brian Harris and Michael Henderson-Begg.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 4 July 2012 (copy attached).

The public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 4 July 2012 were approved as a correct record.

Matters Arising

West Poultry Avenue

In was noted that the Deputy Chairman had pursued this matter with the Chairman of the Property Investment Board. The Deputy Chairman pointed out that consideration was being given to the possibility of repairing the tunnels under the road but no decisions had yet been taken. 

Report of the Town Clerk (copy attached).

A report of the Town Clerk which set out the wish to involve the Chairman of the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee in the appointment of the post of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection and the Director of Open Spaces was considered.

RECEIVED

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

A report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection providing Members with an update on progress in achieving the objectives set out in the annual Business Plan for the 1^st period in 2012/13 (April – July inclusive) was considered. The principal subjects covered in the report were:

·           Daily Mail report on shoppers making savings buying fruit and vegetables from markets compared to supermarkets

·           Love your Market and National Market Day

·           Progress report on Markets Byelaws

·           Olympic period

·           Spitalfields Rain Water Harvesting

·           Billingsgate Satellite unit 1 update

·           Finance update

A discussion took place on the Markets Byelaws Working Party which was reviewing whether there is a need for new byelaws for Billingsgate, Smithfield and New Spitalfields Markets. The Superintendent, Billingsgate Market, Chair of the Markets Byelaws Working Party, explained that the consultation process was underway and that confirmation was awaited from the Fishmongers Company before the consultation exercise was complete. He pointed out that Members views were invited by the Working Group to consider whether new byelaws might assist with the effective management of the Markets.

In relation to Customer Parking which had been introduced at Billingsgate Market at the start of July 2012 the Superintendent, Billingsgate Market, explained that Penalty Notices were fixed by a third party company and any net receipts from penalty notices would offset the service charge. The Director pointed out that the parking charges had been introduced at the request of the tenants.

A Member complimented the Director on a very useful and informative Report.

RECEIVED

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

A report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection providing an overview on two separate capital projects which would soon be brought forward for approval by Members and set out an outline of other minor projects about to be undertaken or under consideration for the future as a means of improving and modernising the facilities at Billingsgate Market were considered.

A Member commented that the roof at Billingsgate Market was in need of particular repair and that officers should take this work forward as speedily as possible.

RECEIVED

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

A report of the Superintendent, Smithfield Market, seeking approval to the proposed Christmas trading and traffic arrangements for Smithfield Market was considered.

It was noted that the hours would be varied in order for the Market to open from 3:00am – 10:00am.

RESOLVED – That the Markets trading hours be varied over the following dates:

Saturday 15 December

Sunday 16 December

Saturday 22 December

Sunday 23 December

Monday 24 December

Monday 31 December

This would mean that the Market would be closed on:

Tuesday 25 December

Wednesday 26 December

Tuesday 1 January.

Markets Committee Visits

In response to a question by a Member on the early start time of the Markets Committee visits, which made it difficult for Members to get to the coach-pick up point at Guildhall or at the Market for Members living outside London; the Chairman pointed out that overnight accommodation and ad-hoc travel arrangements could be considered.

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.

RESOLVED: 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.

To agree the non-public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 4 July 2012 (copy attached).

The non-public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 4 July 2012 were approved as a correct record.

Joint report of the Comptroller & City Solicitor and the City Surveyor (copy attached).

A joint report of the Comptroller & City Solicitor and the City Surveyor was received.

Report of the City Surveyor (To Follow).  

A report of the City Surveyor was considered and agreed.

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

A report of the Superintendent, Smithfield Market, was considered and agreed.

An oral statement by the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection relating to the High Court Judgement.

The Director of Markets and Consumer Protection provided an oral statement on the High Court Judgement.

There were no questions.

There were no urgent items.