Minutes of Ilex Board Meeting held in Ilex on Wednesday 16 March 2011
PRESENT: Sir Roy McNulty (Chair) Aideen McGinley
Frank Hewitt (part) Colm McKenna
Geraldine Keegan Matt McNulty
Margaret Lee Michael Heaney (part)
John Meehan (part)
IN ATTENDANCE: Gerard McCleave, Mel Higgins, Sean Currie,
Caoimhin Corrigan (part), David Ferguson, Alan Maitland
MINUTE TAKER: Deirdre More
/ ACTION /1 / APOLOGIES received from John McDaid. It was welcomed that John hopes to attend the next Board Meeting.
2 / CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: None
3 / MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Agreed and adopted.
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4 / ACTION LIST: An updated report on actions was presented.
5 / CHAIRMAN’S UPDATE: Dealt within agenda.
6 / REGENERATION PLAN – FINAL DRAFT:
· Gerard McCleave presented the final draft of the Regeneration Plan to Board Members for their consideration. He outlined the structure of the report, the early chapters covering the mission, vision, and pledges, the 5 themes and 11 catalyst programmes. The structures to deliver, as proposed by OECD, were discussed along with an outline of the portfolio of investment. Mr McCleave outlined the critical importance of monitoring and measuring the progress and impact of the Plan and that a monitoring and evaluation framework was being developed in this regard. He also outlined the reasons for the changes outlined from the previous draft.
· Alan Maitland highlighted the issue of marketing the Plan.
· Board Members were asked to provide any comments by 22 March.
· In relation to EU funding, Belfast City Council made an official available to work with Ilex to identify EU funding opportunities across each of the 11 catalyst programmes. They would also assist DCC in establishing a new European Unit.
· Gerard McCleave also advised that a capacity audit would need to be undertaken for the potential delivery partners across each of the 11 programmes. This is to be discussed by the Strategy Board.
· John Meehan confirmed that Derry City Council are aligning their Corporate Plan with the Regeneration Plan.
· Grant Thornton have produced a paper on the Investment Strategy of the Plan with tentative costings on which further work is required.
· The Chairman emphasised that for the Plan to be really deliverable, we had to ensure that (for the next year at least) there was full definition of activities, responsibilities, dates and funding. The Implementation Tables would be developed further. / Board
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7 / CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT
· Ilex Review – Next Steps:
o In light of the BDO Review and the Board’s response, the value of a peer review, similar to the 2006 report on Laganside, would address some of the gaps in the BDO report and activate the work of the company with a view to what would be required to deliver on the company’s objectives.
o Board approved that a peer review be undertaken by OECD and the figure be negotiated. Mel Higgins reported that this will be a Direct Award Contract which CPD have suggested. Confirmation of this will be forwarded to sponsor departments.
· Ebrington
o Board Members were provided with copies of the Business Case for Building 71 and asked to provide any comments by 21 March.
· City of Culture
o Culture Company Board has now been appointed and an announcement is imminent on membership.
o The company is working closely with the Chamber of Commerce on running a series of events with local businesses on ‘What City of Culture can do for you’.
o An initiative on skills and training is being developed to be pitched to Channel 4.
· Staffing
o The Chief Executive welcomed Mel Higgins to his first Board Meeting.
o The Organisational Development Plan was distributed to Board Members and agreed.
o The appointment of an Interim Director of Development, Mr Tom McCartney, was welcomed. / GMcC
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Directors’ Reports: Executive Team reports were presented with discussion as follows:
· Strategy & Regeneration:
o The delay in the SoC for the Art Gallery was highlighted and Alan Maitland advised that he would discuss the matter with DCAL who are processing the SoC.
o NWRSP: Board discussed promotional opportunities with regard to the NWRSP. Frank Hewitt informed Board Members that the NWRSP is in the NISP Corporate Plan and also that DETI are supportive. The importance of the NWRSP as a development concept and not just a property solution was highlighted.
o Virtual Learning Environment: This is a pilot programme using technology to link schools enabling on-line teaching, homework etc. The original estimate for this was £20K but now that the tender process has been completed the cost of the programme is £120K. Board were asked to respond with any comments on the paper by 21 March. Geraldine Keegan supported the initiative.
· Corporate:
o The company is currently working closely with CPD to manage capital spend.
o OFMDFM capital programme to 2015 is to be re-profiled; awaiting final confirmation from department.
o £1m will be available from DSD for the Regeneration Plan and City of Culture.
o Minor amendments from departments are being made to the Business Plan which will be sent to Board Members.
· Development:
o Peace Bridge:
§ SEUPB have awarded an additional £1.35m. and we are awaiting written approval.
§ Work on the bridge is due for completion on 31 May.
§ Crown Estates have requested that Ilex indemnify them against damage or loss caused by any incidents relating to the Peace Bridge. Ilex are preparing a business case regarding the indemnity for submission and consideration to DSD.
§ Independent specialist legal advice has been taken to ensure that the Project Manager’s assessment of compensation events is as per the contractual terms and conditions.David Ferguson stated that compensation events are a concern for the Department as there is a risk that costs will go over the 10% limit on the SEUPB business case. DSD have sought and received Ministerial approval for spend up to £15.5m; however the funding will only be approved by the minister up to the £14.6m amount.
o NWRSP:
§ The planning application process is under way. Frank Hewitt highlighted the need to plan a timeline between now and the end of the year so that NISP and Ilex can move forward jointly.
§ Staff resources are key and Ilex CE and NISP CE to discuss
· Cultural Broker:
o Clipper: £750K is required from DCC to secure this event and a stage 1 payment is required. It is recommended that Ilex provide sponsorship of £125K in light of the strategic nature of the event. The Business Case for this was distributed and Board were asked to comment by 21 March.
o City of Culture Capital Fund: Draft Application Form and Guidance Notes were distributed and the CE thanked DSD for securing the resource. She highlighted in particular the challenge of a short timeline and the ring-fenced nature of the budget. The Board welcomed the Fund and commented on aspects of the proposal which were noted.
o Royal Naval Association Proposal: This was discussed and it was agreed that location at Ebrington might be the way forward, if related conditions were acceptable to Ilex.
o Launch of Peace Bridge:
§ The Business Case for the launch and the programme for the event were distributed and comments invited by 21 May.
§ It was agreed that the Mute Meadow art installation would be launched in conjunction with the Peace Bridge. / AM
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8 / ANY OTHER BUSINESS: No further business.
9 / DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Thursday 14 April @ 9.30am in Ilex.
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