Board Meeting Minutes

Officers: Mr M Hart (General Manager Operations), Mrs J Barrett (Company Secretary), Mr J Whiteley (Head of Leisure), Mr S Parker (Head of Commercial Activity), Mr T Parker (Head of Facilities).

Observer: Mr G Baldwin (Doncaster Council)

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1.    Apologies
Mr L Golze, Mr T Goulbourn, Mr J Duffy and Mr R Byrne
2.    Minutes Of 2nd December 2008
Approved
3.    Matters Arising
3.1    Dinosaur Exhibition
The General Manager Operations reported that advance sales are currently 9356 from schools and groups. There will be a press call at 6pm on 10th February, opening is on 11th February and celebrity launch, by Nigel Marvin, on Saturday 14th at midday. Front of house managers will be on duty daily during the exhibition.

3.2    General Purposes Committee
This is scheduled for 26th February at 10:00am.
4.    Projected Outturn 2008/09
The Company Secretary advised that current projections indicate an improvement against budget of £128,500 following the very successful start to the free swim and other initiatives funded by Doncaster NHS. The receipt of these funds in advance has also improved the cash flow, with no problems now being forecast. The assumption remains that the Council’s funding will continue to be annually in advance.
It was noted that Fitness Village membership currently stands at 2,500. The target number of members is 2,800. It was also noted that the current TV series of ‘Dancing on Ice’ has not led to the same level of increased ice use previously experienced.
Gavin Baldwin advised that he will be submitting proposals to Doncaster NHS tomorrow for funded initiatives for 2009/10.

5.    Key Drivers
5.1    Inquest
Trustees were provided with a verbal update of events and outcomes by the General Manager Operations and the Head of Facilities.. It was noted that a verdict of accidental death was given.

5.2    New Trust Update
Gavin Baldwin updated trustees on progress on the Council’s plans for the new leisure trust.

5.3     Kick Start for Fitness
The General Manager Operations advised that The Dome’s participation in this initiative has been very successful to date. The under 16 free swim has achieved 93% of the increased visits targeted for the period. All other elements of the funded scheme – over 60s swimming, Champion Sports pass and Fitness Village inductions have exceeded their targets.
Customers are experiencing some queuing for the Lagoons at peak times. A ‘banding’ and call-out system has been implemented in order to reduce waiting times. Customers are being informed of their expected waiting time and entertained whilst in the queue.

5.4    Leisure Report
The Head of Leisure advised that the Lagoons development project was completed on schedule with only some minor software issues still being resolved. Plans are now being worked on to develop the Fitness Village.
With regard to the external funding secured during the year, it was acknowledged that multi-agency working had been the key to success in this area.

5.5    Asset Maintenance
The Head of Facilities presented outline plans for asset maintenance spend during 2009/10. These have been submitted to the Council for consideration. The majority of spend is planned for the Fitness Village Refurbishment scheme.

Action: The Head of Facilities to discuss the proposed scheme for additional CCTV with Trevor Jones for advice on appropriate camera positioning.

5.6    Spikey Fish Performance
The Head of Commercial Activity presented period results for the main four cost centres showing an improvement against budget of £9000. The Christmas Cabaret period had been shortened to reduce fixed costs.
In terms of the forecast January will see contribution higher than budget, but this will be negated by the poorer results predicted for February.

6.    Health & Safety
The Head of Facilities reported the accident figures for December. There are no concerns.

7.    AOB
Event 30th January 2009
Bobbie Roberts advised that she had hosted an event in the Forum on Friday 30th January and would like to commend staff on how well they handled the event on the night.

8.    Date Of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 3rd March 2009 at 4:00pm.
Apologies: Cllr Eva Hughes