The Board appointed Councillor Caroline Charles as Chair, and Councillor Paul Cole as Deputy.

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of pecuniary interest.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings held on 21 February 2023 and 13 June 2023 were agreed as an accurate record.

The Board Treasurer introduced the report, noting that the Governance Framework had been deemed fit for purpose by the Head of Audit.

It was RESOLVED that the Board noted and agreed the Annual Governance Statement.

The Deputy Treasurer introduced the report, noting that running expenses had been slightly over the estimate for the year and some project expenses had been forwarded into the next year (23/24).

In response to questions it was confirmed that:

Rates of interest were detailed in appendix G

The 2 year extension on the contract allows to align with the upcoming waste programme contract, future contract extensions will take into account longer term plans

It was RESOLVED that the Board noted and commented according to the recommendations.

The report was introduced by the idverde representative, drawing attention to completed and scheduled works.  The railings had been completed, work on the toilet block was ongoing, hedgework was scheduled to commence in late July/early August and the front lawn was scheduled for work in the Autumn. 

In response to questions it was confirmed that there had been some complaints about the length of grass, a new site supervisor and implementation plan had been introduced within the last few months and all sections were now caught up.  There is some long grass remaining to encourage biodiversity.  There had been a complaint relating to cutting between graves and that had now been resolved.

It was RESOLVED that the Board noted and commented on the report.

The Head of Parks Services introduced the report, noting in particular that the replacement bearer beams work had commenced and replacement bins were now in place.  New projects were expected to start in August/September, there was ongoing work to improve the front grass area, painting railings and hedgerow replacement to begin later this year. 

The toilet block and waiting room proposal would share with the Board after the meeting for feedback ahead of the next meeting.

It was RESOLVED that the Board noted and commented on the report.