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Minutes June 2007
MINUTES OF MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY 21 JUNE 2007 AT 7.30PM
IN THE CHARTER HALL, TOWN HALL, BRIDGWATER
PRESENT: Cllr P Smeed (Mayor of Bridgwater - in the chair) Cllrs DL Baker, MP Cresswell, AS Downes, JG Granter, D Hall, DP Loveridge, WJ Monteith, JR Munn, DL Preece, M/s J Raven, KF Richards and J Turner (JP)
Apologies: Cllrs Busby, Parker and Mrs Slocombe
04/07 COUNCILLOR PARKER:
On behalf of the Council, the Mayor wished Cllr. Parker a speedy recovery and return to active duty, following his recent operation.
05/07 MINUTES:
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 19 April 2007 and 8 May 2007 be approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record and it be noted that the Minutes of the Special Meeting of 12 June 2007 will be brought forward to the next meeting.
06/07 MATTERS ARISING:
1. Blake 350 (Min 82/06.3) - The Town Clerk gave an update on the events and the programme and the specific events to which the town council were contributing. The Mayor commended the Flower Festival and reminded members that there would be a presentation of the DVD on the life of Blake at the Arts Centre on 7 August 2007.
2. Town Centre Management (Min 82/06) - The Town Clerk confirmed that a review of the current arrangements and the job description was underway. It had been stressed on behalf of the town council the importance of the post and the need to encourage a revival of the Town Centre Partnership.
3. Unitary Status for Somerset (Min 89/06) - A submission had been made to government following the special meeting. Members noted the results of the ballot across the county, which had been overwhelming in opposition to the single unitary bid.
4. La Ciotat Link Society - 50th Programme and reciprocal visits (min 91/06) - The dates of the visit of the party from La Ciotat to Bridgwater had changed and confirmation was awaited. Names and numbers for the proposed visit to France 16-18 August 2007 were required and members were asked to confirm interest to the Town Clerk. Members were also advised that the Tudor Restaurant had been booked for 27 July 2007 (provisionally) for the farewell dinner, subject to confirmation of the visit.
(Cllr. Cresswell declared an interest in this matter and took no part in the consideration and did not vote thereon)
5. Visit to Twin Town Uherske Hradiste - The Mayor confirmed that a visit was planned to the twin town in October for the 750th anniversary celebrations. The visit would be at members' own expense and he invited members to confirm interest to the Town Clerk.
6. SALC request from Branch Chairman to address Town Council (Min 94/06.4) - It was agreed to defer any invite until later in the year.
07/07 PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND INCOME:
RESOLVED: That the payments (including Section 137 payments) made since the last meeting and the income recorded in the Town Clerk's Report dated 12/06/07 be approved and confirmed.
08/07 TOWN COUNCIL ACCOMMODATION AND TOWN HALL AND ISLAND SITE:
The refurbishment of the Town Clerk's office was virtually complete and repairs to the Mayor Parlour commissioned. Some concerns were voiced at the standard of workmanship.
On the THIS the "cultural option" was being pursued and the Town Clerk gave an update on the work of the Project Team and a workshop/drop in session held at the Arts Centre for all interested parties. Cllr. Monteith referred to a press cutting relating to a government initiative in relation to community assets and the issue of market value and discounted market value to encourage community action and agreed to circulate this to all members.
RESOLVED: That the position be noted and this included as an agenda item for the next meeting.
09/07 MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT:
The Town Clerk issued copies of further guidance, published by the Standards Board for England. Following from the previous meeting, members were invited to adopt the new code with suitable amendments to allow members with a personal and prejudicial interest to take part in the same way as that which applied automatically in county and district councils.
Members sought clarification as to the effect of the modified code in respect of interest in planning applications.
RESOLVED:
1. That the mandatory Code Of Conduct 2007 as applicable to parish councils be adopted with immediate effect, with the specific inclusion of paragraph 12(2) - "effect of prejudicial interests on participation";
2. that Standing Orders be amended by: a) deleting Standing Order 58 and substituting: "If a member who has declared a personal interest then considers the interest to be prejudicial he shall declare that, and, after making any representations, answering questions or giving evidence in relation to that business, he must withdraw from the room or chamber for the remainder of the consideration of the item to which the interest relates"; b) deleting Standing Order 70 and substituting: "At all meetings of the Council the Chairman will at a convenient time in the transaction of business, allow any members of the public to make representations, answer questions or give evidence relating to the matters or business transacted at that meeting. This opportunity will also apply to any member who is otherwise excluded due to a declared interest as per Standing Order 58."
10/07 SEDGEMOOR DISTRICT COUNCIL STANDARDS COMMITTEE - PARISH COUNCILS REPRESENTATIVES:
Nominations were invited for parish/town council representation following an increase in the number of places to two.
RESOLVED: That the Town Council support the interim nomination of the sitting member Cllr. KTE Perry of Wembdon Parish Council and in addition nominate Cllr. WJ Monteith, having regard to his previous experience in the work of the Standards Committee.
11/07 SEDGEMOOR AREA WORKING PANEL:
Following the second meeting of the panel, three themes had been determined as the focus for spending devolved budget from SCC in this area: Community safety, youth provision and highway safety and related issues. Town and Parish Councils had been invited to submit bids within a certain criteria for projects against a ring fence allocation £60K.
RESOLVED:
1. That current town council proposals be considered, if relevant, and members invited to put forward any other suggestions;
2. that the planned lighting scheme at Saxon Green be submitted.
12/07 APPOINTMENTS 2007/2008
Members considered the current list of appointments and RESOLVED the following:
Finance Committee - Cllrs. Cresswell, Downes, Granter, Parker, Richards, Mrs Slocombe, Smeed and Turner.
Planning Panel - Cllrs. Downes, Munn, Parker, M/s Raven, Preece, Smeed and Turner
Blake & Gilbert Charity - 5 - Mrs Briscombe, M/s Pearce (subject to confirmation), Mr JRB Taylor for four years from 2004 and Cllrs, Richards and Turner for four years from June 2006, (subject to checking revised commencement date to June 2007).
Brent Marshall and Mansfield Charity - 5 - Mrs Briscombe and Cllrs. Preece and Turner for four years from November 2004, Mr WH Munn (subject to checking), and Cllr Richards for four years from June 2006 (subject to checking revised commencement date for four years from June 2007).
Tamnin Charity - 4 - life term - Mayor and Deputy Mayor (by designation), Mr Moore (subject to checking), and Cllr Richards
Towells Charity - 2 - life term - M/s Pearce (subject to checking) and Cllr Smeed (commenced June 2006)
Bridgwater/La Ciotat Link Society - 1 - Cllr Richards
Bridgwater/Homberg Society - 1 (President) - Cllr Smeed (as Mayor)
Bridgwater/Marsa Society - 1 (President) - Cllr Smeed (as Mayor)
Bridgwater/Czech/Slovak Friendship Society (UH Twin) - 1 - Cllr Munn
Wyndam Lecture Trust for the People of Bridgwater - 1 - Cllr Cresswell
Town Centre Partnership (Christmas Committee) - 1 - Cllr Richards
Bridgwater Heritage Regeneration Partnership - 1 - Cllr Smeed (Deputy Cllr Granter)
BCI Partnership - 2 - Cllrs Downes and Turner (check position reference Cllr Downes as Trustee)
Cluster Group (SDC) - Cllrs Hall, Parker, M/s Raven and Turner and Town Clerk
Westover Green Community School - minor LA Governor - 1 - Mrs EH Hudson
Bridgwater Transport Strategy Review - 1 - Cllr Monteith
Blake Museum Management Committee - 2 - Mr Briscombe and Cllr Richards (former Cllr Brian Gillard represents the Friends of Blake Museum)
Internal Auditor - 1 - Mrs Geri O'Loughlin
Hinkley Point Liaison Committee - 1 - Cllr Downes (position to be confirmed)
Building Schools for the Future - Stakeholders' Board - Cllr Parker
Grievance & Disciplinary Panel - Cllrs. Cresswell, Munn, M/s Raven, Smeed (Mayor) and Mrs Slocombe
Appeals Panel - Cllrs. Granter (Deputy Mayor), Loveridge and Turner
13/07 TWINNING POLICY REVIEW:
Following issues that had arisen in relation to town twinning arrangements and correspondence with the Bridgwater/Czech/Slovak Society, and discussions with the Mayor, the Town Clerk presented a report seeking members' endorsement of the broad principles that constituted the policy, including some minor tidying up for clarity. The policy had been circulated.
RESOLVED:
1. That the policy be approved and copies circulated to each of the twinning organisations;
2. that the position in relation to the flying of national flags in recognition of visits by oversees international parties/groups and the lack of a suitable flagpole be noted
(Cllrs. Cresswell, Richards and Smeed declared personal interests in all aspects of twinning).
14/07 AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS:
Members noted that the audit date had been put back one month to 31 July 2007.
15/07 MAYORAL ITEMS
1. Uherske Hradiste - the Mayor referred to potential spin offs from twinning and, as mentioned above, invited members to indicate interests in visiting UH between 12-14 October 2007.
2. La Ciotat - similarly, interest in the visit was invited from members;
3. YMCA Dinner at Rookery Manor - interest invited for spare places;
4. ACTS on 5 July 2007 - Cllr Cresswell and partner to join party
5. Closure of Post Box on Cornhill - at the Mayor's invitation Cllr Preece expressed concern and requested support for the provision of a box in the vicinity. It was confirmed that SDC had also objected.
RESOLVED:
1. That Cllr Preece be invited through his membership of SDC to request this item to be included on a scrutiny committee agenda, with an invitation to the Post Office/Royal Mail to attend;
2. that a letter be sent to the Manager of Frian Street and copied to Post Watch
(Cllr. Munn declared and interest in this item and took no part in the consideration and did not vote)
6. Town Centre Issues - Street Trading, Workmen's Hut, etc. - the Mayor drew attention various issues that had been raised with SDC
7. Leader/Chief Executive SDC - the Mayor explained that with the Town Clerk he would be meeting the Chief Executive shortly and requested any issues be advised
8. Conservation Officer - the Mayor expressed regret that the Conservation Officer had left so soon after his employment but noted the intention to re-advertise the post by SDC
16/07 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, together with the additions below:-
1. Website development for Bridgwater Town Council - to pursue the offer from Somerset Web Services subject to the domain name of www.bridgwater.gov.uk being registered by the Town Council, control of advertising content and approval of the terms of the contract;
2. Bridgwater Christmas Lights - action of Finance Committee noted and agreed;
3. Blake Gardens, toilets and CCTV coverage - recommendation from Finance Committee for contribution of £8000 agreed and consideration in relation to refurbishment of Penel Orlieu conveniences subject to further information when estimates are prepared;
4. Thorncombe House - security report and confirmation of action being taken - open access arrangement not to be progressed;
5. Bridgwater Heritage Regeneration Partnership - AGM and ordinary meeting 05/05/07;
6. Avon and Somerset Constabulary - Somerset West District - neighbourhood policing and crime figures;
7. Sedgemoor Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Forum Project;
8. Road Surface Dressing Programme;
9. Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust - consultation on NHS foundation trust application;
10. Somerset Primary Care Trust meetings 16/05/07 and 13/07/07;
11. Bridgwater/Marsa Twinning Association - meeting 17/05/07 and Maltese evening planned for 15/09/07;
12. Eastover/St John Street Traders and Residents - double yellow lines in Gordon Terrace representations and meeting 12/07/07;
13. SCHIP Gardening Scheme;
14. Association of CharterTrustee Towns and Charter Town Councils - Executive Committee 15/06/07;
15. Magazines and newsletters;
16. Renaming industrial estates - question whether worth changing following acquisition by London and Westcountry Estates Ltd, and expressed concerns of impact on small businesses costs and viability - do not favour;
17. Licensing application - Subway 13 High Street - no objection subject to general licensing hours;
18. Provision of new bus shelter at Westonzoyland Road (opposite Eastern Avenue) noted and steps taken following demolition of shelter in Rhode Lane
(Cllr. Munn declared and interest in item 17 as a member of the SDC Licensing Panel).
17/07 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 15/07 on the grounds that this will involve the disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Section 101, Schedule 12a of Local Government Act 1972 as amended.
18/07 STAFFING MATTERS:
The Mayor read a statement and explanation in relation to the retired Mace Bearer.
In respect of the Mace Bearer position, the Mayor reported interest in the post.
The Town Clerk reported that in view of increasing workload and demands on his time, an administrative assistant had been appointed, initially on a three-month temporary contract. This post was covered within money allocated previously in the estimates.
RESOLVED:
1. That the position of Mace Bearer be advertised;
2. that the action taken with the staffing appointment be confirmed.
The meeting finished at 9.35pm
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Signed
Chairman