Minutes:
It was noted that the applications for Community Area Grants would be taken at the point in the meeting, to allow the applicants to leave early. However, the bids for Area Board Projects would be taken at item 14 as planned.
The Chairman invited a representative from each of the grant applicants to give a brief overview of their project to the Area Board. After each of the applicants had spoken the Chairman invited questions and discussion, then asked for a show of hands from those present to reflect public opinion. The Area Board members then voted on each application.
In relation to the application from Burning Ambition, the Chairman advised that there was a technical issue as the Community Area Grants criteria required 3 quotes/estimates to be provided for projects with total costs of over £5,000. As this project was for total costs of £14,750, but only one quote had been provided (by Toozalii), this would have to be addressed before any grant could be awarded. It was noted that it may not be possible to get competitive quotes, due to the specific and unusual nature of the work; this could be taken into consideration if evidence could be provided to demonstrate this.
Although the application was generally supported by the Area Board and those present at the meeting, it was considered important to enforce the criteria to avoid setting a precedent for future applications.
It was noted that, if the Board was minded to approve the application, the provisional emergency funding commitment from the Wiltshire Council Arts Service of £2,000 would be withdrawn.
Decision
Salisbury Schools Consortium was awarded £5,000 towards Burning Ambition, subject to the following conditions:
a. Provision of one of the following:
·Two further quotes for the delivery of the project (to comply with the Community Area Grants criteria 13); or
·Evidence demonstrating why it is not possible to obtain two further competitive quotes for delivery of the project.
b. Confirmation from Salisbury City Council of its provisional award to the project of £1,600.
c. Confirmation from Arts Council South West of its provisional award to the project of £2,500.
The final decision to approve the application following satisfaction of condition (a) above was delegated to the Salisbury Community Area Manager, in consultation with the Chairman of the Salisbury Area Board.
Reason – Subject to satisfaction of condition (a) above, the application would meet the Community Area Grants Criteria 2011/12 and would support this project to involve Salisbury’s primary school children, parents and siblings in welcoming the Olympic Torch to Salisbury on 11 July 2012.
Decision
The 3rd Salisbury Scout Group was awarded £5,000 towards refurbishing the Scout Hut, subject to confirmation that the provision funding is in place, or, in the event that the provisional funding is not confirmed, to provision of an explanation of how the funding shortfall would be managed.
Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2011/12 and would support this community group to maintain its facility.
In relation to the application from St Mark Gardening Club, it was suggested that the club approach a number of bodies for support or advice:
· The City Council, regarding possible practical help from those currently on the waiting list for allotments, and regarding possible help in terms of second hand tools.
· The Tenants Panel, to share best practice.
· The Youth Justice Panel, regarding possible practical help.
· The Scouts, regarding possible practical help.
· The Friary Gardening Club, to share best practice.
Decision
St Marks Gardening Club was awarded £1000 towards start up costs for the club.
Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2011/12 and would support the establishment of this club, promoting social interaction between residents of St Marks House, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
ACTION: Marianna Dodd