Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Head of Leisure and Museums updating members on the RAMM Development Project.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at its meeting on 24 March 2010 and comments will be reported.

(Report circulated to Members)

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, updating Members on the RAMM Development Project.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at its meeting on 24 March 2010 and the comments and support of Members were noted.

Councillor Martin attended the meeting and spoke on this item under Standing Order 44. He was pleased to note the progress that had been made on the development and requested that an independent review of the process should be undertaken once the Museum had been operational for a suitable period.

The Chair agreed that it would be appropriate to review the development project at a suitable time after completion in order that the new authority could benefit from the lessons learned about the management of major projects for the future.

Noting the options available and for the reasons stated in the report, Executive recommendedto Council:-

(1)        to authorise the Head of Leisure and Museums, in consultation with the Leader and Portfolio Holder for Environment and Leisure, the Director Community and Environment and the Head of Legal Services, to incur the necessary expenditure for the purposes identified in the report, an estimate of which has been set out in paragraph 4.4 of the report, subject to written assessments of the financial risks and benefits at not more than 2 monthly intervals; and

(2)        that a further increase in the project budget of £1.7m be authorised for the purpose indicated in the report.

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, updating Members on the RAMM Development Project.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at its meeting on 24 March 2010 and the comments and support of Members were noted.

Councillor Martin attended the meeting and spoke on this item under Standing Order 44. He was pleased to note the progress that had been made on the development and requested that an independent review of the process should be undertaken once the Museum had been operational for a suitable period.

The Chair agreed that it would be appropriate to review the development project at a suitable time after completion in order that the new authority could benefit from the lessons learned about the management of major projects for the future.

RECOMMENDED to Council:-

(1)        to authorise the Head of Leisure and Museums, in consultation with the Leader and Portfolio Holder for Environment and Leisure, the Director Community and Environment and the Head of Legal Services, to incur the necessary expenditure for the purposes identified in the report, an estimate of which has been set out in paragraph 4.4 of the report, subject to written assessments of the financial risks and benefits at not more than 2 monthly intervals; and

(2)        that a further increase in the project budget of £1.7m be authorised for the purpose indicated in the report.

(Report circulated to Members)

To consider the report of the Head of Leisure and Museums – report circulated to members

The Head of Leisure and Museums presented the report updating Members on the current situation in respect of the RAMM Development Project.

Members were updated on the on-site progress including the Mechanical Review, the fit-out and displays, contractual and financial implications and the Section 151 officer statement.

Members discussed the project finances, RAMM’s involvement with Exeter’s schools and the anticipated opening date for RAMM.

The Head of Leisure and Museums stated that it was anticipated that RAMM would open in July 2011, but a definite date could not be given at this stage of the project.

Members were advised that further reports would be brought to Scrutiny Committee – Resources and Executive to update Members of the on going position with the RAMM project.

The Scrutiny Committee - Resources supported the report and recommended Executive to approve:-

(1)          the Head of Leisure and Museums, in consultation with the Leader and Portfolio Holder Environment and Leisure, the Director of Community and Environment and the Head of Legal Services, to incur the necessary expenditure an estimate of which has been set out in paragraph 4.4 of the circulated report, subject to written assessments of the financial risks and benefits at not more than two monthly intervals; and

(2)        that the recommended budget adjustment  be made.

(Report circulated to members)

To consider the report of the Head of Leisure and Museums seeking authority to pursue claims against consultants on the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) project.

(Report circulated to Members)

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, seeking short term authority to incur expenditure in relation to the RAMM project. 

Noting the options available and for the reasons stated in the report, Executive resolved that the Head of Leisure and Museums, in consultation with the Head of Legal Services, be authorised to incur expenditure up to the amount specified for the purpose detailed in the report.

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, seeking short term authority to pursue Exeter City Council’s claims against consultants on the RAMM project. 

RESOLVED that the Head of Leisure and Museums, in consultation with the Head of Legal Services, be authorised to incur expenditure up to the amount specified for the purpose detailed in the report.

(Report circulated to Members)