Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D Hayday and Maz Hussain.

No declarations of interest were received

The Minutes of the meeting held on 1^st February 2021 to be confirmed as a correct record.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the last meeting be confirmed as a true record subject to the following amendment on page 4.

Councillor M Clarke be recorded as having seconded the proposal made by Councillor Mrs L Clarke (OBE) relating to Fees and charges.

The Committee will receive a report on the contract re-tender for the ground’s maintenance contract for the Wycombe area.

Presenter: Martin Dickman - Service Director

An update was provided on the retendering for the grounds maintenance contract for the Wycombe area.

The report stated that the Council was now looking to procure an initial 3 year term contract for the Wycombe area to commence in January 2022 to December 2024, with the option of two separate extension periods of 12 months each with a break clause between the initial term and the extensions. The procurement exercise was due to commence on the 15 March with an intention to award the contract in August.

Members were also informed that following recent soft market testing the decision had been taken to alter the current specification by including an indexation provision and by excluding hard facility management.  The Presenting Officer stated that Members would be kept informed and that a further update on the contract would be reported upon in due course.

Members considered the report before them. A Member requested that a schedule of the areas to be included within the contract be distributed to ensure that they all fell within the unparished area of the town.

Another Member enquired as to whether the specification relating to allotments would remain the same. This was confirmed in the affirmative and it was highlighted that buildings maintenance would be carried out by the Property Management Team.

 A further question related to the identification and retention of meadow areas within the town under the new contract. The Presenting Officer stated that whilst this issue was not currently included, the matter could be considered going forward within the new contract.

The final question on the new contract related to the previously request by this Committee for Sunday burials to be priced in the tender. It was confirmed that this would be requested within the new contract.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.  

Presentation by Simon Anthony – Waste Service Manager

This item was withdrawn for this meeting.

An update on Q1 Activity Review.

Presenter: Melanie Williams Chief Executive HWBid Co

A presentation was conducted by Melanie Williams Chief Executive of HWBIDCo which provided an update on recent events that had taken place within the town of High Wycombe.

Members were also informed about the forthcoming launch of a new website which was designed to promote upcoming events and activities and to provide a one stop shop for members of the public.

A Member asked about the impact of Covid on staff and businesses in the town. He was informed that although it had been a devastating period of time for businesses which relied heavily on rates relief, the town had outperformed the national average during times when the lockdowns were lifted. Moving forward she believed that the Town Centre recovery would be a quick one.

A query was raised over the level of footfall over a period of time within the town. The presenting officer stated that live data could be accessed on the numbers and the busiest times of the day and then published on the website in order to help manage Covid safety.  

The officer confirmed that she would be prepared to share reports on this matter in the future if requested to do so.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and the officer be thanked for the presentation.

The Committee will receive a report on change of road name.

Presenter: Cllr Lesley Clarke

A report was presented by Councillor Mrs L Clarke (OBE) who sought support and approval for the proposal to change the name of a road in High Wycombe. Members were requested to consider whether Abbey Way from the junction with Marlow Hill to the junction with London Road should be renamed Frances Dove Way in honour of Dame Frances Dove for the work that she carried out for the benefit of the Town and for her work in supporting the education of girls and young women.

Mrs Clarke stated that there had been close collaboration with the Council`s Street Naming Officer and agreement of all relevant residences, businesses and householders on this stretch of road had been received. Following approval by this Committee the matter would be referred to the High Wycombe Community Board for its endorsement.

In presenting the report Members were provided with a background of Dame Frances Dove`s numerous achievements.

In considering the report Members were very supportive of the proposal and were keen in marking the achievements of this historical pioneering leader who possessed a formidable outlook and personality.

A recorded vote was taken and it was,

RESOLVED: (nem con) That Abbey Way from the junction with Marlow Hill to the junction with London Road be renamed Frances Dove Way.

The Chairman put forward a proposal suggesting that there be some form of recognition of the role played by essential workers, in keeping our services operating during the Pandemic and to remember those who had lost their lives to Covid 19.

Members` views were sought on the matter. The initial suggestion was supported and future discussions surrounding this would take place in the near future.

To consider the work programme.

RESOLVED: That the work programme be approved subject to the inclusion of the following additional items for consideration at the June 2021 meeting.

(i)                  The Boathouse

(ii)                1 Minute silence commemorating Covid loss of life

Proposed dates:-

Tuesday 22 June 2021 – 7pm

Tuesday 21 September 2021 – 7pm

Tuesday 23 November 2021 – 7pm

Tuesday 18 January 2022 – 7pm

Tuesday 8 March 2022 – 7pm

The next meeting was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 22 June 2021 at 7pm