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Minutes January 2007
BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY 18 JANUARY 2007 AT 7.30PM
IN THE CHAIRMAN'S SUITE, TOWN HALL, BRIDGWATER
PRESENT: Cllr PGH Parker (Mayor of Bridgwater - in the Chair) Cllrs MD Cresswell,
BJ Gillard, JG Granter, DP Loveridge, WJ Monteith, JR Munn, WH Munn,
MD Needs, M/s K Pearce, DL Preece, KF Richards, Mrs GJ Slocombe,
P Smeed and J Turner (JP)
Apology: Cllr Moore
53/06 MINUTES:
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of Bridgwater Town Council held on
09 November 2006 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
54/06 MATTERS ARISING:
1. Town Hall and Charter Hall (Min 45/06.2) - Members took note of the decision that had been reached by the Executive of SDC in the terms for the sale of the Princess Hall to Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Town Council, which could set a precedent should the BTC be in a position to acquire the Town Hall and Charter Hall.
2. Bridgwater Challenge; Northgate; and the Town Hall and Island Site (Min 45/06) - Members expressed their disappointment at the standard of presentation, which had been given at the previous meeting, considering this not well researched and lacking in information. Cllr Smeed produced a copy of a report previously prepared in relation to the Town Hall by Messrs Donaldson, which he requested be circulated to all members. Members agreed that this should be included as an Agenda item for the next meeting,
3. Remembrance Sunday (Min 51/06.3) - Members congratulated all those connected with the organisation and running of the Remembrance Day Parades and Services and commended the part played by the Cadet forces.
55/06 PLANNING PANEL MEMBERSHIP:
Members were reminded that the following Cllr Granter's appointment to the Development Control Committee of SDC a nomination was required to fill the vacancy on the Town Council's Planning Panel.
56/06 LOCAL GOVERNMENT WHITE PAPER - PRESENTATION BY MR ALAN JONES CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL ON THE DRAFT CASE FOR UNITARY STATUS AND LOCALISATION:
The Mayor welcomed Mr Alan Jones who outlined the key issues in the recent government white paper and the invitation in the booklet to consider unitary arrangements and/or enhanced two-tier working. Somerset County Council had prepared a business case for a unitary authority, based on the whole of the county, emphasising that this would be a new authority covering the functions and responsibilities of the county council and the five districts councils. He explained the timetable for which the business case was to be considered at a meeting of the County Council on 22 January 2007. He explained the way in which the County Council saw this working, placing reliance upon area working and the role of councillors who would double in number from the present county council. The County Council were pressing ahead with localisation plans even if the unitary bid was not successful. Mr Jones also explained the difficulties found in working to enhance the two-tier operations, other than those that were in being. The government had indicated a level of savings expected and it was possible that even with no bid for unitary status or enhanced two-tier working, the government would still expect an equal level of savings per capita from existing authorities. From this he maintained the status quo not an option. Mr Jones then dealt with a range of questions from members, dealing with levels of performance; the "livability" agenda; local accountability; anticipation of the "political map" across the county; increased roles for town and parish councils; levels of savings and envisaged council tax regimes, and equalisation built into the business case; the issue of job losses, and consultation that would follow if the bid were successful as envisaged in the Government's timetable.
The Mayor concluded by thanking Mr Jones for the presentation and for his attendance at the meeting
(Cllrs Loveridge and Parker declared personal interests as members of the Somerset County Council and Cllrs M/s Pearce and Mrs Slocombe as employees of the County Council)
57/06 REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE (22/11/06):
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 22/11/06 (attached as an appendix) had been circulated and were introduced by the Chairman, Cllr John Turner. Cllr Turner explained the reasoning behind the recommendations of the Committee and offered, with the Town Clerk, to answer any questions in relation to the draft estimates.
At the behest of the Committee a new item comprising an allowance of £1000 for the Deputy Mayor had been provided for. Members discussed this item preferring to retain the item in the estimates, but on the basis that any claims by the Deputy Mayor would be on production of receipts to the Town Clerk.
In relation to the Bridgwater Cup Members decided that a better replica should be provided and the possibility of a scroll for the person or persons receiving the cup and others who had been nominated should be considered.
The Town Clerk explained the figure allocated in the estimates towards 350th Anniversary of the death of Admiral Blake, which included provision for renovation or maintenance works to the Admiral Blake Statue and the War Memorial. The Town Clerk reported that the special expense figure had not yet been advised by SDC and reminded members that this was dependent on the way in the which the scheme for memorial testing and safety work was implemented. This was likely to be paid for over 2, 3 or 4 years.
RESOLVED:
1. That the estimates be now approved for the purpose of securing the precept for 2007/2008 of £207,922.03, including the Civic Enhancement Reserve (£60,000) and exclusive of special expenses equating to £20.32 per band D property;
2. that following completion of the application, the following ward budget bidding application be approved:-
Victoria Park Bowling Club - contribution to works required to satisfy fire safety standards (Victoria) - £1000;
3. that all other matters covered in the Finance Committee resolutions be noted and approved; and
4. that the applications for grant received from Bridgwater Unitarians for the renovation of the façade of the Unitarian Chapel and from the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity to be referred to the Finance Committee.
(Note by Town Clerk: following the duplication of the Bridgwater Cup entry in the Table the figures have been checked and confirmed - totals remain as reported).
(Cllr Cresswell declared an interest in the La Ciotat Committee, Cllrs Cresswell, Gillard, Parker and Smeed in the Art Centre, Cllrs Cresswell and Mrs Slocombe in the Carnival, and Cllrs Parker and Smeed in all twinning references)
58/06 PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS:
RESOLVED: that the payments since the last meeting recorded in the Town Clerk's Report dated 10/01/07 be approved and confirmed.
59/06 REPORT ITEMS FOR NOTING:
The following were noted by members with invitation to comment:-
1. Bridgwater Challenge, Northgate, Town Hall and Island Site - see item recorded above under Matters Arising, explanations of present situation and item for next Agenda to include Donaldson's Report and invitation to SDC;
2. Showmen's Guild of Great Britain - interest in land at Bristol Road - meeting with Guild's planning consultants - steps to be taken and detailed specification of requirements requested (confirmation no formal approval as yet) and preliminary discussions with District Valuer for advice;
(Cllr Mrs Slocombe declared an interest in relation to the adjoining Carnival Club site and Cllr Smeed in relation to the Guild on a personal basis)
3. Memorial Testing and Safety Policy - paper accepted by Executive of SDC, taking forward option for the ground anchor system to deal with unsafe memorials over a two-year period and information awaited on special expense requirement, or any assistance from Town Council in relation to Quantock Road and Bristol Road Cemeteries and/or Wembdon Road closed Churchyard;
4. Bridgwater Parish Cluster Group Meeting - local government white paper - meeting of cluster group held on 9/01/07 with presentation from District Council and correspondence received from MP, Somerset Conservative Association, Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset County Council including Area Working Panels.
60/06 ADDITIONAL STREET LIGHTING REQUESTS:
Wye Avenue and Saxon Green: The Town Clerk gave an update on the two requests. Ward members had confirmed their support for the lighting of the link path at Wye Avenue and the detailed quotation had been received. The Town Clerk confirmed the circumstances in which the County Council would accept running costs and on-going maintenance. This was yet to be confirmed with Saxon Green in respect of either of the garage areas, although members confirmed that the garage area to the right-hand side of the vicarage was the more crucial
RESOLVED:
1. That the Council proceed with the lighting scheme for Wye Avenue at a cost of £3623.83; and
2. that the Town Clerk follow up the desire for one column with two lights provided on the garage court to the right-hand side of the vicarage, subject to confirmation from the County Council in relation to running costs and the housing contribution.
61/06 BLAKE 350:
A further meeting of the Steering Group had been held and a list was now available with planned events. Cllr Smeed updated members following his attendance at the meeting. Members were reminded that some provision had been made in the estimates. A letter had now been received confirming that a sum in the order of £3500 was required to employ and accommodate a part-time co-ordinator for the preparation and duration of the activities, with a request to the Town Council to consider funding the post. In addition the group hoped to attract support from local businesses. A check would also be made whether a lottery bid had been submitted.
RESOLVED: That this be referred to the Finance Committee and the Museum's Officer invited to the meeting.
62/06 MAYOR ITEMS:
1. Sports Sponsorship - arrangements had been made to sponsor the match for Bridgwater Town (1984) Football Club v Calne Town on 03/03/07 to which all members and guests were invited, as on previous occasions on a similar basis;
2. Mayoral Engagements - a list was circulated of events undertaken to the current day
63/06 PUBLICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE:
The Town Clerk reported on correspondence and papers received and those included in the report.
RESOLVED: That the following items be noted and
actioned as appropriate:-
1. Building Schools for the Future - success of bid to DfES in relation to towns, Secondary and Special Schools and confirmation Town Council would be involved in consultation on future stages of the project;
2. Eastover and St John Street - further meetings with traders to be held in relation to parking and general meeting on 29 January 2007;
3. Land at Friarn Avenue adjacent to No. 13 - possible children's play area and approval of location of Civic Society Plaque and follow up meeting planned for 19 January 2007 to progress;
4. Allotments Tenant Association - fencing of Friarn Lawn and Flower Show building - revised proposals for pallisade fencing and estimates obtained with approval for Town Council fencing and contribution to allotment association fencing up to £4500 in total;
5. Allotment Transfer and Registration of Ownership - continuing correspondence particularly in relation to Bristol Road accessway and Chilton 2, with SDC;
6. Bridgwater Heritage Regeneration Partnership - Minutes of 14 December 2006;
7. Building Communities Full Partnership - Minutes of 08 December 2006;
8. War Memorial - request for addition of name of soldier killed in Afghanistan - grant available - agreed subject to suitable position for additional plaque required on existing memorial;
9. Clean Sweep Initiative (SDC) - Sydenham Ward week of 05 February and Victoria Ward of week of 12 February;
10. Wheel Clamping - correspondence from Cllr Smeed and advice of action now being taken as a result of numbers of complaints;
11. Rights of Way Network Management - partnership working and request for nominated liaison officer - volunteer(s) invited;
12. Local Transport Plan - quality bus partnership route 375 phase 2 - installation of high access kerbs at Sainsbury's bus stop;
13. Parking at Valetta Place - request for limited waiting restrictions, supported by Ward Members;
14. Somerset Primary Care Trust - Meetings 13 December 2006 and 24 January 2007;
15. Bridgwater/Marsa Twinning Association - AGM and meeting and correspondence - reminder all members and officers had paid own way in visiting Malta;
16. "Bridgwater 1924 - 1927: Class Conflict in Somerset Town" - presentation of newly published book by author, Dave Chapel - expression of thanks from members;
17. National Trust - scheme for encouraging younger people "claim your inheritance" - referred to press;
18. St Margaret's Somerset Hospice - New Build Appeal information;
19. SDC Housing -Tenancy Officer Patch changes;
20. Parish Plans - village facilities information;
21. SLCC - Regional and Branch Meetings;
22. Regional Spatial Strategy for South West 2006/2026 - next stages including examination in public.
64/06 EXEMPT ITEM - EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC:
RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the business recorded in minute 65/06 on the grounds that this will involve the disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Section 100.1 of the Local Government Act 1972
65/06 THE BRIDGWATER CUP 2006:
RESOLVED:
1. That having considered the merits of all the very worthy nominations eligible, the cup be awarded to Miss Judith Allen in recognition of her outstanding contribution and dedication to and on behalf of the League of Friends of Bridgwater Hospital and her work at the hospital;
2. that Members recognise the work of all those nominated and their support for the community and the nominees be thanked for their submissions.
The meeting finished at 10.05pm
.............................................
Signed
Chairman