Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2022 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or personal interest as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct.  In making their decision councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

Cllr Mary Penfold declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of the South Street Market, where her son sporadically has a food stall.

To receive any public questions or statements on the business of the Dorchester Market Joint Informal Panel.

There was no public participation to report.

To receive an update on Dorchester Market activities and any progress being made and to take the opportunity to consider what was necessary to maintain its success and how this might be done.

The committee received an update on the Dorchester Market activities and discussed progress made to date. 

The Panel also heard from John George – Ensors who circulated his proposal for investing in the Market. It was reported that the legal advice was that it was not possible to offer a further extension to the existing contract and that a fresh procurement process would need to be undertaken. All of those present felt that this process should be commenced as soon as possible.

The Panel also made the following observations:

·       Chase assets & property about any long-term view on use of site given upcoming procurement

·       Unauthorised storage in the shed building

·       Discussion about whether new contract or DTC to operate

·       Presentations from potential operators ahead of procurement process

·       To re-circulate the Daryl Chambers report

·       To discuss the future of the Linneys and views of Planning & Conservation Officers.

To receive the regular report on the financial position of Dorchester Markets.

The informal panel considered a report of the senior accountant and members were advised that the total income accounted for during 2021/22 was £30,022 against a budget of £165,165, leaving an income deficit of £35,143. It was also noted that the main reason for the shortfall was the continued effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, on the Cornhill Traders Budget.

Members also noted that for 2020/21, there had been a 50% reduction in the budgeted income contribution of £47,824 in relation to Fairfield Car Park income in recognition of the reduced Market activities during restrictions.

However, in 2021/22, the full budgeted £48,541 contribution was received from Parking services following the easing of Covid restrictions and return a more normal trading environment.

Decision

That the income and expenditure statement for 2021/2 be approved.

To consider a report on the Car Boot Sale Fund.

Members considered a report of the Community Engagement Project Officer (DC) setting out the update on the current grant fund of the Dorchester Car Boot Fund as of July 2022 and asking the informal panel to open the grant fund for 2022/23.

Decision

(a)           That the 2022/23 Car Boot Sale Fund be opened to eligible groups from mid-September for a period of 6 – 8 weeks.

(b)           That a group consisting of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Panel, together with one other Member from each Council, be authorised to consider and agree the car boot fund grant applications.