The following declarations of interest were made in accordance with the Code of Conduct –

Resolved that minutes of the meeting held on 7^th May, 2004 (ME 01 04/05) be confirmed as a correct record.

The Committee offered their congratulations and best wishes to Councillor Mavin for his forthcoming wedding.

The Park Manager updated the Committee on the outcome of the recent severe weather, as follows:

• trees had fallen across Earls Drive, in the formal gardens, and in Penlee woods which had caused a little damage to the roof of the Naval building;

• roof tiles on the west side if the house had lifted causing a major leak.

Extra staff had been drafted in over the weekend to repair storm damage.

(In accordance with Section 100(B)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the Chair brought forward the above items for consideration because of the need to inform Members.)

The Directors for Lifelong Learning and Corporate Resources submitted a report (ME 2 04/05) presenting an update on the financial position of the Joint Committee, identifying variations to the Original Estimate and a discussion on 2005/06 budget planning.

Resolved that -

The Director for Lifelong Learning submitted a report (ME 3 04/05) proposing to extend the contracts of three seasonal members of staff for a further three months.

Resolved that the Officers be authorised to extend the contracts of the two seasonal rangers and one seasonal gardener for a further three months.

The Director for Lifelong Learning submitted a report (ME 4 04/05) on the proposal to join the Cornwall Association of Tourist Attractions.

Resolved that –

The Director for Lifelong Learning submitted a report on the review of Car Parking and Charges at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, providing –

           (i)      a review of the car parks at Mount Edgcumbe;

   (ii)            a comparison of charges in existing Pay and Display car parks with District Council owned car parks;

 (iii)            estimates of costings to install and operate Pay and Display car parking at the two free Mount Edgcumbe car parks, including advice that the capital cost could not be contained within the forecasted additional income unless the extra car park duties required at those remote sites were contained within the existing ranger duties through rescheduling work priorities..

Resolved that –

The Director for Lifelong Learning submitted a progress report (ME 6 04/05) outlining progress made in the various operational targets set in the operation management plan, giving an analysis of visitor numbers to the House and House usage, and advised that –

With regard to the Classic Car Rally and Fayre referred to above, the Committee was informed that this was an event run by volunteers and it was a concern to the two organisations involved that it would become unsupportable by them if it became a financial burden.

Resolved that –

(1)   the report be noted;

(2)   congratulations on the success of their events be offered to –

·        the Friends of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park and Friends of Mount Edgcumbe Hospice;

·        the Museum Development Officer (Plymouth);

·        the Chair of the Military Vehicles Trust;

(3)   the Officers be requested to organise a publicity campaign which aimed to encourage the public to be flexible and tolerant with regard to the Classic Car Rally, an event which supported good causes.

The Head of Economic Development and Urban Regeneration submitted a report (ME 7 04/05) on action taken by officers under delegated powers.

Resolved that the report be noted.

The Director for Lifelong Learning submitted a report (ME 8 04/05) outlining the case for applying for Heritage Lottery Funding grant to restore the Mount Edgcumbe Tapestries and developing an educational programme for the House.

Resolved that -

The Committee noted the correspondence received but were unable to comment as the issues raised were outside of their remit.

(Councillors Gregory, McTaggart and Mrs. Murray declared a personal interest in the above item.)

The County Solicitor (Cornwall County Council) submitted a report (ME 10 04/05) indicating that it had been agreed at a meeting of the Cornwall County Council's Executive that appointment of nominated substitutes on the Joint Committee, from the same party group and from an electoral division within the Districts of Caradon or North Cornwall, could now be permitted.

Resolved that the report be welcomed and noted.

Resolved that, under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The Director of Planning Transportation and Estates submitted a report (ME 12 04/05) on Outbuildings Grant Work and plans were provided to view at the meeting.

Resolved that -

The Director of Strategic Projects and Service Change submitted a report (ME 11 04/05) outlining the progress of property matters within the Country Park since the last meeting and seeking approval with regard to the letting of grazing land within the Park.

Resolved that –