The meeting covered several key topics, including the election of the Vice Chairman, confirmation of minutes, and various operational and policy discussions. Jamie Martin was elected as Vice Chairman without opposition. No apologies or declarations of interest were noted.

The most significant topic was the proposal for a summer skate event in the Lower Central Gardens. The event aims to include roller skating, movie nights, yoga mornings, and skate sessions for local schools. Concerns were raised about potential damage to the grass and the historical nature of the gardens. The board decided to trial the event for one year, with the location adjusted to minimize grass damage. They emphasized the need for monitoring and evaluating the event's impact.

Another important discussion was about the planting strategy in the gardens. The council has moved to a perennial planting method to align with its climate and ecological emergency declaration. The board agreed to monitor the planting and potentially visit the gardens during the summer to assess the progress.

The board also discussed the issue of cashless payments in the gardens' kiosks. There were concerns about accessibility for vulnerable groups and the elderly. The board agreed to review the situation and consider a survey to understand public preferences better.

Other topics included the removal of compactor bins and the introduction of 1100-litre bins to manage waste more effectively. The board acknowledged the need for a more attractive and functional waste management solution and agreed to monitor the situation.

Public toilets in the gardens were reported to be suffering from anti-social behavior. The council is working with the police and community safety teams to address this issue, potentially using new technology to secure the facilities.

Lastly, the board discussed the future meeting dates and agreed to coincide the next meeting with the summer skate event to evaluate its impact. They also touched on the potential implications of the tourist tax on the gardens, with further updates expected in future meetings.