MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 26 JULY 2005

PRESENT:      Councillors Phillips (Chairman and Mayor), Loveday (Vice-Chair), Blundell, Cotton, Mustoe, Mrs Rainey and Wellman and Cllr David Fowles (District), Mrs Jill Thomas (RFO), Mrs Caroline Braidwood (Clerk) and Mr Gerald Green.

1.                 APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE 

Cllrs Asquith (family commitment), Hancock, Vincent (holiday) and Cllr Mark Tufnell (District) (work commitment).

2.         MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 28 JUNE 2005

The Minutes were confirmed as a true and accurate record and signed by the Chairman.

3.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

Cllr Mrs Rainey declared an interest in Re-surfacing Back Lane.

4.         TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA

4.1             Planning -

9.2     The Clerk confirmed that CDC Planners were expecting a retrospective application for work at 51 Mays Crescent but to date nothing has materialised.  Members expressed concern that Planners have not taken action. 

Action:  Clerk to write to Planners regarding 51 Mays Crescent.

4.2      Support for Cotswold Hall

Cllr Mrs Rainey advised that Members who had attended the meeting with the Cotswold Hall Trustees had informed them that the Town Council had received no request for support of the Hall and that the Council’s only source of funds is raised by the precept.

4.3             Lights at Phipps Yard and KGV Car Park

Cllr Cotton had checked these following the last meeting and would check them again and advise the Clerk.

5.         FINANCE

5.1      Cash Flow Analysis and Budget Status up to 30 June 2005

These were noted.  The RFO advised:

• Following application for rate relief, CDC has refunded £2,871 from last year’s Council Tax.
• The Assets Register would be updated this year by writing off some of the old office equipment, mower and tool shed.

It was RESOLVED to make an Insurance Claim for the damaged party tent.

5.2             To Consider Bills For Payment

The list of bills for payment for July 2005 was approved.

Proposed:  Cllr Mrs P Rainey           Seconded:  Cllr A Wellman

5.3             Year End Accounts 2004 – 2005

It was RESOLVED to accept these accounts and the Chairman signed them.

5.4             Northleach & District Community Association – Minibus Renewal

It was RESOLVED to donate £250 this year and budget for another £250 next year.

Action:  Clerk to maintain a list of grants and donations.

5.5             Repair of Tourist Notice Board in the Market Place

The Clerk advised that Cotswold Conservation have agreed to contribute 50% of the cost of this repair.  Members requested that further quotes be obtained.

Action:  Clerk to pursue.

5.6             BANK SIGNATORIES

The Bank has advised that their records are out of date and, therefore, a new mandate needs to be completed.  It was RESOLVED that all cheques or bank instructions will require the signatures of any two of following: Cllrs Phillips, Loveday, Hancock, Wellman and Pezet. 

6.         DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

Cllr Mark Tufnell was unavailable.

7.         NORTHLEACH HERITAGE CENTRE

• Cllr Fowles, who has responsibility for the re-opening and development of the Heritage Centre, advised Members of the following:
• CDC had voted in favour of re-opening the Centre.
• Cotswold Conservation will move into the central block leaving the North Gallery and Cells in “mothballs” until and commercial use could be found.
• A café will open on a trial basis providing rental income and give access to the Courtroom.
• Concern has been raised that the café has not been subject to tender process but in view of its “trial basis” this was felt unnecessary.
• The Lloyd Baker collection of 680 items would re-open but not as a Museum since the staff have been made redundant.
• The re-opening project will go out to tender for an external project manager.
• Hope to re-open by April 2006, at the latest.
• Consider concerts / plays on the central green.

North Gallery

• Cllr Fowles is keen to extend the development to include the North Gallery and Cells although not included in the funding.
• Building needs attention including glazing.
• Considering – involving other organisations such as Brewery Arts and Water Parks, use of volunteers or retail outlets, involve local businesses.
• Looking for support and suggestions from the Town Council

During discussion the following points were raised:

• Needs to be open for 12 months of the year.
• Needs complete re-branding for whole of the building not just re-vamp of the old Cotswold Heritage Centre.
• Need to find a new name quickly before applying for Listed Building Consent for alterations.

The Chairman thanked Cllr Fowles for advising the Council and for his enthusiasm.

Action:  Clerk to arrange viewing and schedule a meeting at the Heritage Centre, as soon as possible.

8.         PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

None.

9.         PLANNING AND TREE WORKS

9.1     The items discussed are detailed on the attached schedule.

10.      WESTWOODS CENTRE COMMITTEE

10.1         Draft Minutes of the Meeting on Tuesday, 19 July 2005

Noted.

10.2         Report from the Chairman and Update on Current Issues

The Chairman was unavailable.  Cllr Wellman advised that Brian Crossley’s employment as Westwoods Administrator and Caretaker is to be formalised and that one he obtains the necessary Licensing Qualification, had agreed be the Personal Licence Holder for the Centre.  A feasibility study is being conducted on the installation of tennis courts and bowling green on the land adjacent to the Centre and a local benefactor has indicated an interest in assisting with the cost of bowling facilities.

A meeting with representatives of the Tennis Club had indicated an interest in moving to the Westwoods Centre at some time in the future.

11.      PROPERTY AND PREMISES MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE

11.1        Report from the Chairman and Update on Current Projects

Cllr Loveday advised that the next Committee Meeting would take place in the autumn.

11.2    Back Lane

Cllr Loveday advised that a new quote for re-surfacing Back Lane has been received for £4596 that comes within budget.  It was RESOLVED to accept this and proceed with the work.  Cllr Loveday is taking advice on the wording of signs to inform users that it is not a public road and the Clerk is locating pedestrian guardrails to be installed at the end of the pathways liking up with Back Lane.

12.      CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION:

CDC – Public Toilets

CDC is in possession of a Deed of Indemnity relating to the building.  The meeting was advised that CDC had always maintained the building in the past and, therefore, there is no justification for requesting assistance with maintenance now.  Mr G Green offered to provide an affidavit if required.

Action:  Clerk to request copy of the document.

13.      Chairman’s Report

The Chairman advised that no objections have been received by GCC Highways to the installation of Disabled Parking Bays in the Market Place or the No Waiting Lines in College Row.

Action:  Clerk to request that these be installed in October at the same time as re-surfacing of The Green.

14.      PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS

The new Vicar, Rev Richard Woodger has arrived and moved into the Vicarage.  His Licensing and Installation will take place on 16 August 2005.

15.      ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Sports & Social Club

The Council needs a better understanding and some involvement with the administration of KGV Playing Field by the Sports and Social Club.

Action: Clerk to write to the Chairman of the Sports and Social Club suggesting that a Councillor attends meetings as an observer.

Item for September agenda – Verges at All Alone and condition of School Hill.

The next meeting of Northleach with Eastington Town Council Meeting will be the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held on Tuesday, 27 September 2005 at 7.45p.m. at The Westwoods Centre, Bassett Road, Northleach.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.45 p.m.