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Minutes January 2008
BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2008 AT 7.30PM
IN THE MEMBERS ROOM, TOWN HALL, BRIDGWATER
PRESENT: Cllr P Smeed (Mayor of Bridgwater - in the Chair) Cllrs DL Baker, MD Cresswell, AS Downes, JG Granter, D Hall, DP Loveridge, WJ Monteith, JR Munn, PGH Parker, D Preece, KF Richards, Mrs GJ Slocombe and J Turner (JP)
Apologies: Cllrs Busby and Ms Raven
76/07 MINUTES:
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 December 2007 be approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.
77/07 MATTERS ARISING:
I. Sedgemoor Area Working Panel (Min 65/07.i) - a bid had been submitted for additional lighting at the Gardens Centre Westonzoyland Road and the adjoining Boys Club car park area, now being used because of the development of the Youth Offending Team Unit.
II.Website development for BTC (Min 65/07.ii) - the launch had provisionally been arranged for 21 February 2008 at The Exchange, although members pointed out that there was a possible clash with the meeting of SDC on that day and an alternative date should be arranged.
III. Policing (Min 65/07.vi) - members requested that further information be sought from the District Commander in terms of the level of police officer availability in the Town Centre in light of the appointment of the new PCSOs. Members were reassured by the increased numbers of PCSOs and noted also that the Chief Constable would be questioned by the County Council Scrutiny Committee on 29 January 2008 in relation to policing resources.
(Cllr Parker declared an interest in respect of the Sedgemoor Area Working Panel and the Gardens Centre and Cllr Loveridge in respect of the Sedgemoor Area Working Panel as members)
78/07 REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE (09/01/08):
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 9 January 2008 (attached as an appendix) had been circulated and were introduced by the Chairman Cllr John Turner. The Finance Committee had met as agreed at the last town council meeting to pick up on unresolved matters in relation to special expenses and cemeteries and negotiations with SDC in relation to services and facilities where the District Council had identified possible savings. Cllr Turner explained the position in respect of the following specific items, Blake Museum, Town Centre Management and partnerships, including improvements, and the Farmers' Markets, and Sydenham Community Centre. The Finance Committee had considered a package that would support these items in various ways. He then explained the impact of the proposals on the proposed precept in light of the provisionally approved estimates incorporating a 4% increase and including a provisional civic enhancement reserve.
Cllr Preece wished to question some specific items in the estimates previously considered for general town council purposes, but was directed that this had been completed in the provisional approval at the previous meeting and with detailed consideration by the Finance Committee.
In relation to the "rescue package" estimated at £100,000 discussions would continue on the way in which this would support services and facilities, in which the District Council planned savings.
The Town Clerk reported revised figures on estimated costs on cemeteries and residual street lighting. He also drew attention to specific items in relation to items discussed by the Finance Committee relating to Trinity Hall, Chilton 2 former allotment site, Barclay Street car park, and the grant offered in support of the St Mary's Church clock and chimes refurbishment. He also confirmed that Sedgemoor CAB had confirmed, following receipt of their grant, that the outreach service in Hamp Ward was being maintained.
RESOLVED:
1. That the continuing discussions with SDC be noted;
2. that the estimates now be approved for the purpose of securing the precept for 2008/2009 of £459,089.00 made up of £176,980.71 for immediate town council purposes, £39,258.20 for the civic enhancement reserve, £100,000 for the rescue package and £142,850.00 for cemeteries and residual street lighting (charged in previous years as a special expense) equating to £45.01 per Band D property;
3. that the approach in respect of Trinity Hall be confirmed;
4. that the position with Chilton 2 former allotment site and the interest in Bristol Road 1 as part of a wider scheme be noted;
5. that the representations objecting to the loss of any of Barclay Street car park be confirmed and the Town Council support action being taken against this and consider any further necessary assistance at a future time;
6. that the offer in respect of St Mary's Church clock and chimes (50% grant) be further considered once the position has been clarified;
7. that all other matters covered in the Finance Committee resolutions be noted and approved.
(Cllr. Cresswell declared an interest with reference to the Admin Assistant's post due to family relationship, and an interest in the Sydenham Community Centre and the Arts Centre, Cllr. Parker an interest in the Arts Centre and CAB and the Volunteer Centre, and Cllr. Mrs Slocombe an interest in relation to the Arts Centre).
79/07 PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS:
RESOLVED: That the payments (including section 137 payments) made since the last meeting recorded in the Town Clerk's report dated 10/01/08 be approved and confirmed.
80/07 TOWN HALL & ISLAND SITE:
The Town Clerk reported progress on the THIS project, including the successful event with the lead act "Madness" held at the Palace Nightclub. A stakeholder meeting was also planned for 28 January 2008.
Members were disappointed to learn that the bid to the Community Assets Fund had not been successful. Members noted the reason for this, and were again disappointed given the hard work and contributions from various groups so clearly demonstrating community support and involvement.
Members hoped that as a priority project for Bridgwater and the people of Bridgwater, as indicated in the press release, commitment to the project and every effort to make the project work would continue.
81/07 PUBLICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE:
The Town Clerk reported on correspondence and papers received and those included in the report.
RESOLVED: That the items be noted and actioned as indicated below:-
1. Blake Gardens Bandstand - interest in bandstand concerts pursued
2. Rights of Way and Public Paths Liaison - interest received in response to Bridgwater Times press article (Mr Terry Peers)
3. Bridgwater Regeneration Partnership - meeting of 15 January 2008 - request for details of RLT2/3 funding and use and exploration of Trinity Churchyard as play space
4. Building Schools for the Future - public consultation meetings re: Robert Blake and Elmwood and Chilton Trinity-23 and 24 January 2008
5. Bridgwater Library - revised opening hours
6. Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service - consultation on draft Corporate Plan 2008/2009 - 2010/2011
7. Sedgemoor Charter - new edition issued
8. Bridgwater Parish Cluster Minutes 05/12/07 - noted
9. Allotment Tenants' Association meeting - follow up on various issues and update
10. Annual Report of Director of Public Health - Somerset NHS PCT and agenda of PCT meeting 19/12/07
11. St Margaret's New Build Appeal
12. Civic Society newsletter
13. Season's Greetings from Mayor of Homberg
14. Regional Spatial Strategy Panel Report - impact on Bridgwater in plan period 2006/2026, including projected housing growth of 7700 (up by 1500 from initial draft)
15. SALC - papers for information
16. Notice of intention to remove human remains at the former Sion Chapel (land between 43 and 45) Frian Street Bridgwater
17. Parish Flood Fayre - 21 and 22 February 2008 Somerset Local Authority Contingencies Unit - invitations
18. Magazines and newsletters and product information
82/07 ADDITIONAL MATTERS:
1. Street Naming - thanks to Dr Peter Catermole for research and information provided to respond with advice from members on street naming proposals at Friarn Street/Silver Street and Market Street.
2. Somerset Bridge to Colley Lane Bridge Link - confirmation that work would shortly start on this essential new road link
3. Taunton Road traffic lights - difficulty still created by phasing - to be followed up
4. Bridgwater Town Guide 2008 - request from publishers Bridgwater Times - to sponsor Guide to be issued free in 2008 (previously sponsored by SDC)
RESOLVED: That the Town Council sponsor the Guide and the sum of £1000 be offered subject to editorial and content approval.
83/07 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 84/07 on the grounds that this will involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Section 100.1 of the Local Government Act 1972.
84/07 THE BRIDGWATER CUP 2007:
RESOLVED:
1. That having considered the merits of all the worthy nominations eligible, the cup be awarded to Eileen Haysham in recognition of her outstanding contribution and dedication to clients and community in her role as Home Care Assistant for many, many years;
2. that a suitable presentation and photograph opportunity be organised;
3. that members recognise the work of all those nominated and their support in the community and the nominees be thanked for their submission.
The
meeting finished at 9.10pm
.............................................
Signed
Chairman