Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Mr Clarke, and Mr Ballard, and Councillor Peacock, and for lateness from Councillors Dogus and Oakes.

NOTED

There were no declarations of interests.

NOTED

There were no items of urgent business.

NOTED

(a)   To receive and approve the applications for membership of the Committee for the 2008/09 Municipal Year, from the organisations listed above.

(b)   To appoint three representatives of the Committee to serve as non-voting Members of the Alexandra Palace and Park Board.

(c)   To note the Committee’s Constitution (Attached).

(a)       The Chair asked that the Clerk update the Committee on the Constitution.

The Clerk – Mr Hart advised that since the agenda had been despatched, which had shown the membership of the Committee, he advised that as yet he had not received confirmation whether the Alexandra Palace Indoor Bowls Club were still in existence following no response  to correspondence. He would attempt further contact with the association and advise at the next meeting.

The Chair then MOVED and it was:

RESOLVED

(i)         That the following applications for membership of the Alexandra Palace and Park Consultative Committee for the 2008/09 municipal year be approved :–

ii.         That the Constitution of the Committee be noted.

(b)       The Chair then advised that as part of the Consultative Committee’s constitution it was necessary to appoint 3 of its Nominated members to serve on the Alexandra Palace and Park Board for the Municipal Year 2008/09.

In response to points of clarification Mr Hart advised that Ms V. Paley, Mr M. Tarpey and Mr N. Willmott had been appointed as non-voting Members of the Alexandra Palace and Park Board for the municipal year 2007/8.

The Chair asked if the representatives would be willing to continue to serve on the Board for the Municipal Year 2008/09. The Chair also asked if Mr Willmott would be willing to be nominated in his absence. Mr O’Callaghan sought clarification as to whether the Committee should be appointing a member in their absence and if the Committee’s constitution allowed for this.  The Chair confirmed that it was within the Committee’s remit to appoint members and it did not preclude such appointments in a nominated member’s absence.

Mr Richelle confirmed that Mr Willmott would be happy to be nominated in his absence, and serve on the Board. In response to further points of clarification from Councillor Hare, and Mr O’Callaghan Mr Hart advised that it was for the whole membership of the Consultative Committee to agree to the nominations and not just nominated association members.

The Chair then summarised and on a vote it was:  

RESOLVED

That Ms V. Paley, Mr M. Tarpey and Mr N. Willmott be appointed as non-voting Members of the Alexandra Palace and Park Board for the municipal year 2008/09.

Mr O’Callaghan and Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To note the Committee’s Terms of Reference approved by the Council on 22 May 2006 as follows:-

(a)       To give representatives of appropriate local and national organisations the opportunity of full discussion with Members of the Alexandra Palace and Park Board on general matters affecting Alexandra Palace and Park.

(b)       To give Members of the Alexandra Palace and Park Board the opportunity of discussing and explaining to the organisations matters affecting the overall policy and efficient management of Alexandra Palace and Park.

(c)        To promote better understanding between Members of the Alexandra Palace and Park Board, the Palace Management and local organisations.

(d)       To enable appropriate local (and national) organisations to be fully consulted on decisions of direct concern to them.

(e)       To promote the best interests of the Alexandra Palace and Park as a conservation area.

RESOLVED

That the Terms of Reference of the Alexandra Palace and Park Consultative Committee be noted.

(a)               To confirm and sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 12 February 2008.

            (b)       To note the Minutes of the meetings of the Alexandra Palace and Park Board held on 10 March 2008, and the special meetings held on 26 February, and 19 March 2008.

.

(i)                 ALEXANDRA PALACE AND PARK CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE – 12 FEBRUARY 2008

The Clerk to the Committee – Mr Hart advised that a revised version of the minutes had been TABLED which reflected some changes to the wording in paragraphs on page 3 of the minutes, which had been redrafted following a point of clarification from Ms Feeney – Muswell Hill and Fortis Green Association prior to the meeting. 

With the point of clarification noted it was:

RESOLVED

That the TABLED revised minutes of the Alexandra Palace and Park Consultative Committee held on 12 February 2008 be agreed and signed as an accurate record of the proceedings.

(ii)               ALEXANDRA PALACE AND PARK BOARD – 10 MARCH 2008, AND SPECIAL MEETINGS - 26 FEBRUARY AND 19 MARCH 2008

The Chair asked if there were any comments in relation to the minutes.

In response to points of clarification from Mr O’Callaghan in relation to the accounts the General Manager – Mr Loudfoot outlined the large number of queries that had arisen as was documented within the minutes. In respect of the differing figures shown in both the LB Haringey’s accounts and those of Alexandra Palace it was the case that there was no requirement to have the same figures shown in each set of accounts as it was possible for one to show potential liabilities whilst the other did not.

The Chair commented that it was the case that a number of questions had been submitted for response which had been answered verbally, and that indeed as the minutes of the meetings showed – the accounts were finally signed off.

In response to further points from Mr O’Callaghan Councillor Hare commented that whilst there had been some issues surrounding how explicit and worded certain elements of the accounts had been when submitted for consideration the accounts had eventually been agreed as minuted.  The Chair also advised that the accounts had been set out in an established format and that they had been audited by one of the most senior and specialised auditors in the Country who had been more than happy in the way in which they had been compiled. There had been some issues pertaining to some elements of the narrative which had been adequately answered and he reiterated his earlier comment that the accounts had then been agreed.

Councillor Hare, in concurring with the comments of the Chair, commented that the Board had benefited from the process and that it had allowed a good opportunity to make comment.

(Councillor Oakes arrived at 19.57hrs)

There being no further points of clarification it was:

RESOLVED

That the minutes of Alexandra Palace and Park Board held on 10 March 2008, and special meetings held on 26 February, and 19 March 2008 be noted.

Update report of the General Manager, Alexandra Palace  - To advise the Committee on progress.

The Chair asked for a brief introduction.

The General Manager – Mr Loudfoot advised that since the last meeting of the Committee there had been little progress in forwarding the development project. It had been agreed that should any significant progress be made before the next scheduled meeting then a special meeting of the Consultative Committee would be called to discuss the progress. It had not been necessary to call this meeting. Mr Loudfoot further commented that at this point in time it was still the case that insufficient progress had been made to be able to offer any meaningful report on negotiations. 

In response to a number of points of clarification and concerns at the lack of progress thus far Mr Loudfoot advised that he fully appreciated the frustrations expressed at the lack of progress and that in terms of the Firoka bid it was the case that the Board were still in negotiations with Firoka and they were still the Board’s chosen preferred bidder, and a holistic development and approach was still the aim of Board. The Board were conscious of the fact that the local community was hanging on to the fact that there had been a deal struck with the Firoka Group and that in this respect the local community needed to know what the latest position was. 

With regard to points of clarification in terms of timescales for further consultation by the Charity Commission and finalising the contract Mr Loudfoot advised that it was difficult to put a time frame and that he did not feel that he could speculate. In terms of the Charity Commission undertaking further consultation this was as yet not confirmed.  Whilst stressing that that the consultation was the Charity Commission’s and not the Board’s it was likely that the Board would be asked to comment on the process for its views. Dependent on the outcome of the consultation and the subsequent consideration and agreement of the Board, and any possible Judicial Reviews arsing therefrom it was likely that it would be at least 12 months before there could be a conclusion. It was also the case that the Board would not re-open any negotiations with the Firoka Group and the current development brief would remain unchanged.

Mr O’Callaghan commented on the judgement of the judicial review which had technically centred on the consultation process embarked upon by the Charity Commission, and yet it could have also commented on the contents of the proposed lease, but had not.  Given that there was likely to be a further consultation there was time to take steps to ensure that, as a matter of principal, to ensure that the elements of concern in relation to the lease and its contents, were made readily available during the consultation process.  Mr O’Callaghan also referred to the objects of the Charity and the issue of the accounts which showed no proceeds during the time that Firoka were in the palace, and the issue of £3million held by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

Report of the Park Manager Alexandra Palace - To update the Committee on events and works within the park.

The Chair then asked for a brief introduction of the report.

In a succinct introduction to the circulated report the General Manager – Mr Loudfoot  gave a brief update of recent activities carried out in Alexandra Park and answered points of clarification. In particular Mr Evison advised that Warner Estate Residents Association had consulted their members over their request for a new pathway from the Redstone Road entrance.  Mr Evison commented that he had attended the WERA AGM on 6 July 2008 where the meeting had fully endorsed the proposals. He would now commence drawing up detailed plans.

Mr Loudfoot further commented that:

·      The Alexandra Park Ornithological Group (APOG) held a public bird walk in May and 43 species were sighted.  This list has been published on the Alexandra Palace Website and is available in the Information Centre.  APOG was preparing a ‘Birds of Alexandra Park’ leaflet detailing all species that may be seen;

·      Traffic Engineers have reviewed the crossing point on Alexandra Palace Way (below the Palm Court entrance) and feel a traffic island could be installed to provide a refuge for pedestrians.  Quotations for this project were being sought.

Mr Loudfoot also advised that following the conclusion of the HLF an event had been arranged for Sunday 10 August 2008 to celebrate the success of the HLF project, with full media coverage, and all members of the Advisory, and Consultative Committee, and the Alexandra Palace and Park Board would be invited to the event. In response to points of clarification Mr Evison advised that the event was not open to the public and was by invitation only.  The event would also be appearing on the Palace’s website.

Mr Loudfoot further advised that there had been a positive visit from the Green Flag Judges at the end of May 2008, where it had been remarked upon how improved the park had appeared since the previous year by one of the judges who had been judging the park the previous year.  The judges’ results were expected on 17 July 2008. 

The Committee then briefly raised the following points;

·        Whether the gantries would be replaced and the response from Mr Loudfoot that the columns had been cast iron, filled with concrete which had subsequently caused corrosion which resulted in the need for their removal.  The gantries would not be returning. New signage had been ordered and would be visible shortly.

·        That in response to comments relating to the public showing of the park by-laws the new park notices did in effect show the does and don’ts but were less authoritarian

·        That there was considerable positive feedback from users in relation to how good the park was looking and that both the park manager and the contractors should be congratulated on their excellent efforts

·        The temporary use of the lower car-park by the contractors Costains and confirmation that this had been agreed at a small fee in order for workers on the building site below the palace having a place to park  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

Report of the General Manager, Alexandra Palace - To advise the Committee on forthcoming events to the end of the financial year.

The General Manager advised the Committee of those events provisionally confirmed (in italics) and those confirmed on the events sheet.  In particular he referred the Committee to the new antique fair scheduled and the good quality feedback of the previous event by the new organiser.

In response to in relation to how the booking of events at the Palace had been affected by the uncertainties of the future of the palace Mr Loudfoot advised that ???? David can you advise – the Chair was talking with me at this point

In response to further clarification as to bookings Mr Loudfoot advised that there were bookings 3 years ahead, and the Trading Company was fully engaged in actively progressing bookings etc.

NOTED  

(i)  Items raised by J. O’Callaghan – Hornsey Historical Society

 (a)      Whether representatives of the Consultative cttee on the Board should

report back to the committee

 (b)     The general policy relating to leasing and sub-leasing to not for

profit organizations carrying out the charity's objects, and the proportion of the charity land currently designated

(c )        Firoka

(i)  Items raised by J. O’Callaghan – Hornsey Historical Society

 (a)      Whether representatives of the Consultative cttee on the Board should

report back to the committee

Mr O’Callaghan commented on the fact that he could not recall any incident in the past few years whereby the Board had responded to the Consultative Committee on views expressed by it.  In response the Chair advised that in terms of reporting back it was the case that the minutes of the Consultative Committee were reported to the Board, and vice a versa and any matters raised by the Committee would be considered by the Board. It was also the case that the representatives appointed by the Consultative committee to the Board in a non voting capacity would also report back there were matters needing clarifying arsing from Board minutes.  It was further the case that the Consultative Committee representatives had always expressed the views of the Consultative Committee at Board meetings.

In response to further points of clarification from Mr O’Callaghan the Chair advised that the Consultative Committee had and were kept fully updated in terms of the developments at the palace and that indeed matters of a commercially sensitive and confidential, as with any constituted Committee of the LB Haringey, would not be divulged in public session.

Mr Tarpey commented that the minutes of the Board meetings clearly showed the views of the Board, together with those comments of the 3 non voting representatives, and observer. It was also the case that where necessary when speaking at Board meetings each non voting representative was giving the views of the Consultative Committee and the consensus views of the consultative committee were amplified, though of course personal views were not. The Board had always allowed the non voting representatives, and observer to be present during the exempt part of the proceedings and each representative recognised that whilst they were able to comment and give view there would be no disclosure of such discussions, for the reasons as stated by the Chair.  Ms Paley shared the comments expressed by Mr Tarpey and added that there was good reason why there had and were reasons for matters to be of a confidential nature.

Mr Hutchinson referred to the process for the Advisory Committee and the recommendations arising therefrom to the Board, and that at each subsequent meeting there was a clear set of observations from the Board to the Advisory committee and vise a versa.  He felt that the Consultative Committee should adopt the same process as when it had any matters for the Board to consider.

Ms Hayter commented that she could not recall the Consultative Committee discussing the proposed lease.  She was aware that there had been Freedom of Information requests for information contained in the lease but by and large people were unaware of its content. In her view much of the lease should be within the public domain.

In response to a number of points raised the General Manager advised that some  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

Nil items

14 October 2008

17 February 2009

14 October 2008

17 February 2009

There being no further business to discuss the meeting ended at 21.20hrs.