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Minutes June 2008
BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY 19 JUNE 2008 AT 7.30PM
IN THE CHAIRMAN'S ROOM TOWN HALL BRIDGWATER
PRESENT: Cllr J G Granter (Mayor of Bridgwater - in the Chair) Cllrs M P Cresswell,
D Hall, D P Loveridge, D Preece, Ms J A Raven, K F Richards, and
J Turner (JP)
Apologies: Cllrs Baker, Busby, Downes, Monteith, Parker, Mrs Slocombe and Smeed
01/08 WELCOME:
The Mayor welcomed all Members of the Council to what was his first meeting in the Chair, following Mayor-Making.
02/08 MINUTES:
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 6 March 2008, and adjourned Meeting held on 10 March 2008 and Special Meeting held on 17 April 2008, be approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record
03/08 MATTERS ARISING:
I. Bridgwater Cup (Min 89/07.V) - Cllr Loveridge reported that following the award of the Bridgwater Cup to Eileen Haysham he had put forward her name to Somerset County Council for a county community award;
II.Standing Orders and Procedural Matters (Min 89/07.VI) - Following a question by Cllr Preece the Town Clerk undertook to address with him the issues that had been raised in the brief statement;
III. Meeting Room & Facilities (min 100/07.4) - Members acknowledged that the Charter Hall was the preferred meeting room, but was not always available because of prior bookings and considered the Chairman's Room perfectly satisfactory as a substitute. Members agreed to consider in due course the possibility of meeting at other premises and in suitable premises in other wards within the town.
04/08 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING ON 17 APRIL 2008 - MATTERS ARISING:
The Minutes of the Annual Meeting had been circulated for members' information.
The Town clerk confirmed that he was shortly to meet with Jo Wakefield, the Membership Manager of the Taunton and Somerset Foundation NHS Trust, in a follow-up to her introduction to the Trust at the public meeting and request for additional members to join the trust.
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Annual Town Meeting 2008 be noted.
05/08 REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE (09/04/08):
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 9 April 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 and those matters where, the Town Council were involved in either negotiations with SDC or working together already providing facility or service support. These are dealt with in Minute 11/08 below.
RESOLVED: That the Report of the Finance Committee be approved and adopted and matters covered in the resolutions be noted.
06/08 PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS:
RESOLVED:
1. That the payments (including Section 137 payments) made since the last meeting recorded in the Town Clerk's report dated 11 June 2008 be approved and confirmed;
2. that included in this list the payment of £8225.00, an interim payment to Messrs Pardoes in relation to the cemeteries transfer be approved, noting the difficult issues in relation to asset transfer and TUPE regulations upon which specialist advice was called for;
3. that in addition to the precept for 2008/2009 income derived by the payment from the Mayor of Wincanton in the sum of £30 for tickets for the mayoral charity event (subsequently to be paid on to the charity beneficiaries) and the two payments of £290 received from the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee as part payment for the annual rental over two years for the former Bristol Road Allotment Site (subsequently to be passed on to the Allotment Tenants Association) be noted.
07/08 POLICING IN BRIDGWATER - PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION WITH INSPECTOR NIC CROCKER:
Following a meeting with the Mayor and Town Clerk, the Inspector of Constabulary,
Nic Crocker, had agreed to attend regularly meetings of the town council to discuss issues of common interest, and to keep all Members updated on policing matters in the town. Inspector Crocker circulated statistical information showing a reduction in crime over a seven year period, improvements in the detection rate of recorded crime through improvements in DNA analysis, etc., and the success of the Police and Communities Together meetings in the town centre and in various wards. He outlined the current priorities and identified particular issues requiring attention.
At this point the Mayor adjourned the meeting, to allow Mr John Heskeith as a member of the public to address the meeting in relation to policing issues in the town and in particular the adverse impact of cycling on pavements and pedestrian areas and cycling with no lights.
Inspector Crocker referred to action already in hand in these areas and to additional steps which he would put in place. Other issues related particularly to speeding vehicles, anti-social behaviour and to parking priorities. Members felt that one major issue was that concerned with reported crime not followed up but endorsed the new actions of police in regularly telling people and elected members of particular issues and actions.
Inspector Crocker agreed to support the recent petition and calls by the Town Council for improvements in Rhode Lane and in particular parking restrictions on one side of the road.
The Mayor welcomed the new spirit of co-operation, the Police and Communities Together meetings, and the way in which all public bodies acting together could be seen to make a difference.
08/08 SEDGEMOOR AREA WORKING PANEL - MEETING HELD ON 22 MAY 2008 AT ASHCOT (MIN 89/07.1)
Members noted this meeting and the recently introduced change to the "local initiative budget" more closely aligned to the wards of individual members where resources were available in support of the Local Area Agreement and the Sustainable Communities Strategy. County Councillors would be submitting priority proposals for funding by 28 November 2008.
09/08 AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS 2007/2008 (FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTE 32 {09 APRIL 2008}) (MIN 92/07):
The audit of the Council's accounts for 2007/2008 was currently being completed for submission to the external auditor by the more advanced date of 30 June 2008.
RESOLVED: That the Mayor and Town Clerk together with the Chairman of the Finance Committee be authorised to approve the income and expenditure account and balance sheet for the year ended 31 March 2008 and to sign this off for submission to external audit, together with the approved statement of assurance and that copies be circulated to all members jointly therewith.
10/08 BLAKE GARDENS BAND CONCERT PROGRAMME (MIN 94/07.9):
Members noted that arrangements for the free concert programme on Sunday 22 June, Sunday 6 July, Sunday 20 July, Sunday 3 August, and Sunday 17 August had now been advertised. The Mayor indicated his intention to attend the band concert on 22 June and the special centenary celebration concert on 3 August. All members were welcome to join him.
11/08 PROGRESS ON MATTERS ARISING FROM BUDGET AND PRECEPT 2008/2009 - BUDGET AND FACILITIES AND SERVICE SUPPORT:
The Town Clerk updated the Council on the progress in relation to the following:-
i. Blake Museum - a number of key issues had been identified and broadly agreed by the Task and Finish Group. Clarity was now sought from SDC on the financing issues in relation to the Blake House and the Old Mill and transfer values, and any ongoing support to assist the setting up of a trust or similar body to administer the Museum. It was felt that Dr Peter Cattermole was pivotal to this work with the Town Council's support;
ii. Town Centre Management Partnership responsibilities and establishment of a revived Chamber of Commerce and Trade - the Chamber of Commerce and Trade was now in being, and had been supported by the Town Council, with an initial funding contribution of £1000. A further payment would be dependent upon progress and further consideration in particular of the Town Council's position in relation to town centre management and partnership.
iii. Sydenham Community Centre and Association - Members confirmed that with the appropriate advice matters were progressing towards the establishment of a trust or similar organisation to maintain the operation of the Community Centre.
(Cllr. Cresswell declared an interest in this matter and took not part in the consideration and did not vote thereon)
In connection with this Members noted the success of the Victoria Park Celebrations.
iv. Transfer of Cemeteries - the Town Clerk confirmed the progress being made towards the transfer of Quantock and Bristol Road cemeteries and the completion of the service level Agreement. Difficult issues in relation to asset transfer and to the TUPE regulations were being resolved, although the documents for the transfer of the land were virtually complete, including the Bridgwater Without Parish Council as a third party in the transfer of the Bristol Road land, acknowledging the position of the former St John's Joint Burial Board.
RESOLVED: That the transfer of the cemeteries at Quantock Road and Bristol Road be accepted, fully, in accordance with the legal documents produced and the Common Seal of the Council under the signatures of the Mayor and Town Clerk authorised.
v. Trinity Hall - Members noted that the recent report to the SDC Executive sought a conclusion to a future for the hall by September 2008. As a result the Town Clerk was meeting with users of the hall to determine whether there had been any change in interest in taking over the hall and outlining the Town Council's request for SDC to consider the transfer of the hall over to the Town Council as a community asset free of charge, subject to a fully commissioned building survey.
vi. Barclay Street Car Park and other assets - including the Cattle Market and Bristol Road lands - Members noted the position where Barclay Street Car park had been withdrawn from the assets for disposal, at least for the time being. Discussions were continuing 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. Agents had been appointed to act for the Town Council.
vii. Building Schools for the Future (BSF) - including Chilton 2 allotment transfer - Confirmation had been received that SDC had agreed to the transfer of Chilton 2 allotment to the Town Council, although details of any provisos were awaited. Suitable letters of assurance in relation to Chilton 2 had been given both by the Town Council and SDC, pending resolution of the transfer. Planning applications had also gone forward for the new school sites. Following further advice from SDC, the Council would need to determine the position in relation to Chilton 2, which was possibly the site for a replacement swimming pool.
viii. Northgate - the Town Clerk reported that the full Council had decided to pursue option 3 (large retail store) and 4 (revised master plan) and to work with the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) to secure a 25m, 6 lane community swimming pool - dependent on capital monies from the Northgate site. Members had received a briefing note on this, which was allied to item vii above. (Cllr. Preece declared an interest in matters relating to Northgate arising under vii and viii and left the meeting, declaring an interest of a prejudicial nature).
ix. SDC Funding Reduction and Grant Aided Organisations - Whilst members were concerned about the funding reductions, they agreed that in addition to current budgeted funding proposals for organisations, they would consider any further submissions by way of formal application through the Town Council grant process
x. Blake Gardens CCTV and management plan - Members noted the position
xi. Taunton Road Toilets - It was noted that confirmation on any information on usage was still awaited to determine the request by SDC for £6300 for 2008/2009
12/08 TOWN HALL AND ISLAND SITE:
The Town Clerk gave members an update on the current position and the work of the Project Team, Stakeholder Group and sub-groups. A "showcase" event was planned for 24 June 2008, with invitees from town, county, region and national bodies and organisations to promote the project. It was also hoped that specialist consultancy advice would be forthcoming from the DTA Demonstration Programme for "advancing assets for communities".
RESOLVED:
1. That the position be noted and
2. That a sum of £1000 be made available for the Showcase Event Programme from the THIS budget
13/08 APPOINTMENTS 2008/2009:
On presentation of the current list of appointments Members were invited to determine appointments for the coming year.
RESOLVED: That the following appointments to Committees and council representation be made:
Finance Committee - Cllrs. Cresswell, Downes, Granter, Parker, Richards, Mrs Slocombe, Smeed and Turner.
Planning Panel - Cllrs. Downes, Monteith, Munn, Parker, Ms Raven, Smeed and Turner
Blake & Gilbert Charity - 5 - Mrs Briscombe, Ms Pearce, Mr JRB Taylor for four years from 2008 and Cllrs Richards and Turner for four years from June 2007
Brent Marshall and Mansfield Charity - 5 - Mrs Briscombe and Cllrs. Preece and Turner for four years from November 2008, Mr WH Munn and Cllr Richards for four years from June 2007
Tamlin Charity - 4 - life term - Mayor and Deputy Mayor (by designation), Mr Adrian Moore and Cllr Richards
Towell Charity - 2 - life term - Ms Pearce and Cllr Smeed (commenced June 2006)
Bridgwater/La Ciotat Link Society - 1 - Cllr Richards
Bridgwater/Homburg Society - 1 (President) - Cllr Granter (as Mayor)
Bridgwater/Marsa Society - 1 (President) - Cllr Granter (as Mayor)
Bridgwater/Czech/Slovak Friendship Society (UH Twin) - 1 - Cllr Loveridge
Wyndam Lecture Trust for the Parrett of Bridgwater - 1 - Cllr Cresswell
Town Centre Partnership (Christmas Committee) - 1 - (now defunct formerly Cllr Richards)
Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce and Trade - nomination to be considered when invited
Bridgwater Heritage Regeneration Partnership - 1 - Cllr Smeed (Deputy Cllr Granter)
BCI Partnership - 2 - Cllrs Downes and Turner
Cluster Group (SDC) - Cllrs Hall, Parker, Ms Raven and Turner and Town Clerk
Westover Green Community School - minor LA Governor - 1 - Mrs EH Hudson
Bridgwater Transport Strategy Review - 1 - Cllr Monteith (continuation to be checked with SCC)
Blake Museum Management Committee - 2 - Mr Briscombe and Cllr Richards
Internal Auditor - 1 - Mrs Geri O'Loughlin
Hinkley Point (ex-Liaison Committee) site stakeholder group - 1 - Cllr Downes
Building Schools for the Future - Stakeholders' Board - Cllr Parker
SDC Standards Committee Town & Parish member (1 of 2) - Cllr Monteith (elected by local councils)
Grievance & Disciplinary Panel - Cllrs. Cresswell, Munn, Ms Raven, Granter (Mayor) and Mrs Slocombe
Appeals Panel - Cllrs Richards (Deputy Mayor), Loveridge and Turner
14/08 GRANT APPLICATIONS:
RESOLVED: That a meeting of the Finance Committee be arranged for a date in July to be confirmed, to consider outstanding grant submissions, including those from Acts Theatre Group, Road Lane Wanderers FC, Somerset Film & Video and Bridgwater Amateur Operatic Society and any other relevant issues.
15/08 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 11 June 2008 (agenda item 10) and action taken on the following:-
6. Young People's Film Council - Awards for All grant application for "Digi Media clubs for Kids" - Town Council support for the proposal and authority given for submission of application by Town Clerk;
9. SDC Amenity Grant Scheme - applications for 2007/2008 - Mayor together with Chairman of Finance Committee to approve any submission;
20. Marsa Twinning Association meeting and visit to Marsa and erection of twinning signs - noted and check to be made with association on request for presentation;
23. Tamlin and Towell Charity - request for nominations to benefit from pensions from the charities - members invited to consider any applications from appropriate people;
24. Heritage Days 11-14 September 2008: discussion to be held with Civic Society to consider feasibility and resources for co-ordinating event on Saturday 13 September;
28. Bridgwater YMCA Foyer - request via Cllr. Baker - invitation to be extended to CEO to make short presentation to Town Council;
30. Request for Town Council to consider honouring Vernon Bartlett in 70th anniversary of Munich agreement (1938) and opposition to it (Bridgwater by-election) - in absence of specific idea, seek press coverage in Bridgwater Mercury and Bridgwater Times;
39. Admiral Blake Statue - agreement to provide 50% funding for cleaning of statue by Antique Bronze - estimated at £690 x 50%;
40. Sedgemoor Affordable Housing Open Day 17 July 2008 - information noted and poster to be circulated;
40. SDC Corporate Stategy 2008/2013 - noted;
42. HMRC office Bridgwater - closure proposals - opposition to closure to be voiced through press release in support of Public and Commercial Services Union campaign;
43. Independent Review Service for the Social Fund - information noted for display and circulation
16/08 ADDITIONAL ITEMS:
Brick & Tile Industry - proposed engine room film
The Council noted Cllr Richards' participation in the proposed film, marking his long association with the industry in Bridgwater.
The meeting finished at 9.22pm
.............................................
Signed
Chairman