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To view Meeting details please go to the Meetings Page.

Minutes August 2008

BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY 14 AUGUST 2008 AT 7.30PM
IN THE CHARTER HALL TOWN HALL BRIDGWATER

PRESENT: Cllr JG Granter (Mayor of Bridgwater – in the Chair) Cllrs DL Baker,
D Busby(JP), MD Cresswell, AS Downes, PJ Parker, DP Loveridge, DL Preece,
KF Richards, and J Turner (JP)

Apologies: Cllrs Hall, Monteith, Smeed, Ms Raven & Mrs Slocombe

17/08 WELCOME:

The Mayor welcomed all Members of the Council, guests and members of the press.

18/08 BRIDGWATER YMCA FOYER – My Place in Somerset application:

The Mayor introduced Martin Hodgson, the CEO of the YMCA Foyer. Mr Hodgson explained the range of activities currently taking place at the YMCA and the Foyer accommodation provided in George Williams Court, Clifford Searle House and in Highbridge. These were basically step one residences enabling young people to move on into society in a sustainable way. Other YMCA activities encouraged the engagement of young people but within the limitations of the site and buildings off Friarn Avenue. A bid had therefore been submitted to My Place through the programme managed by the Big Lottery and Mr Hodgson listed the activities and the range of items provided but desires which needed to be capable of evolving to meet the changing needs of the youth of today. A planning application had now been submitted for facilities intended to complement those in the town to which younger people had contributed. Mr Hodgson circulated an update on the bid and the Access All Areas project overview and plans of the proposal. A bid in the region of £4million had been made with significant funds committed by the YMCA to the project. A number of questions were answered and, in conclusion, the Mayor wished Mr Hodgson every success with the project.

19/08 POLICING IN BRIDGWATER – PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION WITH INSPECTOR NIC CROCKER:

Inspector Crocker attended in the second of the series of regular meetings with the Town Council. He had followed up issues about Rhode Lane raised at the previous meeting and confirmed the action taken in dealing with cycling, anti-social behaviour, illegal parking and traffic issues. He also referred to the information links related to more serious events. The members appreciated the way in which these matters had been handled by the police. Inspector Crocker then provided additional statistical information in relation to South Sedgemoor in terms of burglaries, robbery, vehicle theft, alcohol related crimes against the person and issues in parts of the town. The regular liaison with the PCSOs was proving valuable to the Town Council and had opened new lines of communication through representations from members about issues in particular wards and, indeed, in the town centre itself.

20/08 MINUTES:

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 19 June 2008, be approved and
signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

21/08 MATTERS ARISING:

i. Twinning (Minute 13/08) – Members requested that the Town Clerk pursue with the Homberg and Marsa Twinning Associations representation from the Town Council and pursue with the La Ciotat Links Society dates for meetings.

ii. Audit of Accounts 2007/8 (Minute 09/08) – The accounts and governance statements had been signed off and submitted.

iii. Blake Gardens Band Concert Programme – Centenary (Minute 10/08) – Members noted the series of successful concerts sponsored by the Town Council including the centenary event.

iv. Appointments 2008/9- Chamber of Commerce and Trade (Minute 13/08) – Councillor Pat Parker nominated to represent the Town Council. Approach also to be made to the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee.
(Councillor Preece declared an interest in the Chamber of Commerce and Trade as a member took no part in the consideration and did not vote thereon)

22/08 HIGHWAY AND SPEEDING ISSUES

Arising from matters discussed at the previous meeting and a request from Councillor Preece, the Town Clerk reported on investigations into the possible purchase of a mobile speed target gun which could then be loaned to all councillors and local action teams for use in specific parts of the town where speeding was a problem subject to individuals being suitably trained and risk assessed for those locations. It was confirmed that the Highway Authority together with the police and emergency services were establishing a protocol under which equipment from the Highway Authority could be available.

On a second related matter, an approach had been received from Durleigh Parish Council to join with them in seeking support and any possible funding assistance towards a vehicle activated sign (SID) for speed warning on the Bridgwater/Spaxton road on the parish and town boundary. It was confirmed that through the Highway Authority such a device could be loaned subject to assessment of the site justifying the location.

RESOLVED:

That, in principle, the Town Council support the objective of obtaining a mobile speed target gun subject to details of the protocol being confirmed and

that the Town Council support the representations from Durleigh Parish Council and believe the location on the Spaxton Road justifies use of SID and this be put forward for evaluation.

23/08 REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE (30/07/08):

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 30 July 2008 (attached as an Appendix) had been circulated and were introduced by the Chairman Cllr. John Turner. Members noted in particular the review of progress on matters arising from the Budget and Precept 2008/2009 which are more fully referred to below.

RESOLVED: That the Report of the Finance Committee be approved and adopted and matters covered in the resolutions be noted subject to Minute 24/08 below.

24/08 BUDGET AND FACILITIES AND SERVICE SUPPORT (Finance Committee Minute 07/30/07/08):

Members were given updates on the following items:-

Blake Museum – A meeting was planned shortly between representatives of Sedgemoor District Council, the Town Council and representation in relation to a trust in terms of a transfer of the Museum and Old Mill and a possible dowry.
Town Centre Management Partnership responsibilities and establishment of Chamber of Commerce and Trade – Discussions on the form of Town Centre Management and Partnership best suited to Bridgwater would be undertaken in due course with the acknowledged support of the Chamber. In the meantime, the SDC Valuer was seeking to re-establish a French Market in the town.
Sydenham Community Centre and Association – Members were delighted that this was moving forward in relation to the establishment of the trust although it was likely that this may move into the next financial year.

(Councillors Busby and Cresswell declared interest in this matter and took no part in the consideration and did not vote thereon).

Transfer of Cemeteries – The Town Clerk confirmed that the transfer of the Quantock and the Bristol Road Cemeteries had been completed and the final terms of the Service Level Agreement settled. Members supported the intention to consider improving facilities at Bristol Road. Payment was also authorised of the National Non-Domestic Rate charges for both cemeteries and premises from the transfer date of 30 June 2008.
Trinity Hall – A further condition survey had been completed and a copy received. Members confirmed the resolution of the Finance Committee to pursue transfer as a community asset free of charge subject to examination of the condition survey.
Barclay Street Car Park and other assets including Cattlemarket and Bristol Road lands – The position in relation to Barclay Street Car Park was noted. Other business was dealt with in the absence of the public and press – (see resolution below)
Building Schools for the Future (BSF) including Chilton 2 allotment transfer - This was now moving forward but would have to be viewed in the context of the BSF programme. The Town Clerk would set up a meeting with BSF to this end.

(Councillor Parker declared an interest in this matter as a member of the BSF project board and took no part in the consideration and did not vote thereon).

Northgate – Members noted the position.
SDC funding reduction and grant aided organisations – One formal application had been received and would be referred through the Town Council’s normal grant process.
Blake Gardens CCTV and Management Plan - The new CCTV camera was now in position with work on the management plan ongoing.
Taunton Road Toilets – Information on previous usage had been received and it was agreed to continue monitoring whilst supporting the facility in the current year.

25/08 TOWN HALL AND ISLAND SITE

Members noted that SDC had decided to pursue negotiations with the bidder for the Town Hall Island Site and also confirmed their commitment to the cultural centre objectives recognising that identifying funding from partners and other sources was crucial. The Town Council were supportive of this (See Minute 32/08 below)

26/08 PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND INCOME:

RESOLVED: That the payments (including Section 137 payments) made since the last meeting recorded in the Town Clerk’s Report dated 07 August 2008 be approved and confirmed and the items of income be noted.

27/08 GRANT APPLICATIONS:

New grant applications had been received from the Arts Centre (2) and Somerset Children’s University – Bridgwater. A sum of £2500 had been included in the estimates for the annual donation to the Arts Centre. On this occasion they had submitted a second application seeking alternative revenue funding in the light of reduction in grant support from SDC.

A proposal for sports sponsorship 2008/9 had also been received from Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Club targeted at a match versus Henley on 10 January 2009.

RESOLVED:

That the grant applications be referred to the Finance Committee for decision;

that the Sports sponsorship for Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Club on 10 January be agreed to be contained within the estimates.

(Councillor Preece declared an interest in the second item as a member of B&ARFC and took no part in the consideration and did not vote thereon).

28/08 MAYORAL ITEMS:

List of Mayoral engagements – noted

Skittles Charity Evening with Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council – availability of tickets

29/08 PUBLICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE:

The Town Clerk reported on correspondence and papers received and those included in the report.

RESOLVED: That all items be noted as listed in the report dated 07 August 2008 (Agenda item 10) and action taken on the following and additional items:-

3.    Licensing Application – Cherry’s Café and Restaurant – 5 Clare Street – No objection
5.    Public Payphone provision – Realignment in the Bridgwater area – copies to be circulated to all members
6.    Parish Church of St Mary – Re-ordering newsletter – copies to be circulated to all members
12. Bridgwater Business League Launch – Mayor and Mayoress acceptance of honorary membership
15. Mobile Skateboard Facilities – Confirmation of availability from police- and continuing need for new skate park and BMX facility – Agreement to work with all parties to identify location and implement as soon as possible including agreement to release some of the earmarked funds (£20,000) held the in the BTC budget subject to detailed proposals.

17. Heritage Day – Confirmation of use of Charter Hall on 13 September and establishment of rota and security in the usual way.
18. Charter Hall Mayoral Boards – Employment of RT Signs to sign write and erect new board found in stock
19. Roles and responsibilities of Parish Councils as providers of playground equipment – Seminar 1 October 2008
20. Tour of Britain Stage 3 South West – Tuesday 9 September 2008 Chard to Burnham on Sea – Agreement to provide banners welcoming to the town if appropriate.
21. Somerset Community Foundation – Information on applications for grant.
22. Traflagar Day Parade – Sunday 19 October 2008 – road closures.

30/08 SKATE PARK AND BMX FACILITIES:

The Town Clerk had received confirmation that the mobile skate park facility was now available although replacements were needed for some of the missing safety equipment. This was aimed at under 10 year olds.

Individual members together with influential members from Sedgemoor continued to press for a skate park (and BMX) facility to be provided. The Town Council had earmarked funds of £20,000 to support the project but the difficulty continued in identifying a suitable location. At the same time it was understood that work was progressing towards a skate park off the Leggar in conjunction with the extension of retail development.

RESOLVED:

That the Town Council continue to press the District Council to identify a site as a matter of urgency and support the provision of a Skate (and BMX) facility remembering that earmarked funds are available from the Town Council to support the project:.
that confirmation be sought on the provision at the Leggar with a firm timetable;
that the Council continue to examine temporary provision over and above the small facility available from the police including temporary provision suitable for teenagers;
that the police support for the provision of a facility in the Victoria ward be noted;
that the Council follow up the mobile skate ramp with the police for smaller children and consider a small grant towards missing safety equipment;
that the availability of facilities at the YMCA with Re-Creation be noted notwithstanding the constraints of the YMCA of having to book in and pay and similarly at Re-Creation of having to book in although there is no charge.

31/08 EXEMPT ITEM – EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC:

RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the business recorded in Minute 32/8 on the grounds that this will involve a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Section 100.1 of the Local Government Act 1072.

32/08 TOWN COUNCIL ASSETS AND CATTLE MARKET AND BRISTOL ROAD-
LANDS AND THIS PROJECT:

The Town Clerk reported more fully on the continuing negotiations in respect of the Town Council’s interest in land at Bristol Road and the connection of this to the redevelopment of the Cattle Market and adjoining lands at Bristol Road. Further meetings had taken place with agents and this was now moving forward to a position where agreement could be reached with Sedgemoor District Council opening the way for a partnership agreement with the prospective developer.

The Town Clerk explained the issues raised in the negotiations in relation both to the Council’s interest and the promotion agreement (in draft form) with the Town and District Councils. Valuation and legal advice had been taken and matters were progressing.

The Town Council maintained their support for the realisation of the THIS project and the objectives of the cultural centre. A sum of £10000 had been included in the 2008/9 budget to assist the project in the formative stages. The proposal for the Bristol Road lands offered the possibility of putting the Town Council in a position to make a significant contribution to the scheme.

During the discussion with Sedgemoor District Council members and officers it was concluded that there were good reasons for linking the sites to the benefit of the Town and thus supporting regeneration. The Town Clerk continued to take the negotiation forward on this basis.

RESOLVED:

That the principles upon which the negotiation is being undertaken be endorsed and the Town Clerk requested to bring this to a conclusion;
that in principle and subject to the details of this conclusion the Council agree to a substantial sum to be confirmed at a Special meeting being offered to ensure the THIS project and the regeneration of the High Street move forward.

The meeting finished at 9.55pm

………………………………………
Signed

Meeting Calendar

Minutes August 2008