MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 23 MAY 2006
PRESENT: Councillors Phillips (Chairman and Mayor), Loveday (Vice-Chairman), Blundell, Mustoe, Pezet, Vincent and Wellman, Cllr Mark Tufnell (District), Mrs Jill Thomas (RFO) and Mrs Caroline Braidwood (Clerk), 2 members of the public and 1 member of the press.
1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN
1.1 Nominations had been received for Cllr Phillips and Cllr Mustoe. A secret ballot was held, including papers previously completed by absent Councillors.
Cllr Phillips was duly elected Chairman and Mayor. 9 votes to 2.
Cllr Wellman stated that he had not received a Nomination Form but confirmed that he did not wish to nominate any other Councillor than those already standing.
Cllr Mustoe expressed his displeasure with the way the Council has been run over the last three years. He said that projects have not been completed and the Council’s profile is at its lowest.
1.2 Cllr Loveday was elected Vice Chairman and Deputy Mayor unopposed.
Both Chairman and Vice Chairman will complete their Acceptances of Office before the next Council meeting.
2. ELECTION OF COMMITTEES
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Property and Premises Maintenance Committee: |
Cllrs Hancock, Loveday, Vincent and Mrs Rainey |
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Westwoods Centre Committee: |
Cllrs Pezet, Phillips, Wellman and Mrs Rainey |
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Planning Committee: |
Cllrs Asquith, Cotton, Mustoe and Vincent |
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Finance Committee: |
Cllrs Blundell, Hancock, Loveday, Pezet, Phillips and Mrs Rainey. |
3. ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES
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Primary School Governor |
Cllr Mustoe |
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Youth Club |
Cllr Loveday agreed to be a liaison between the Council and the Club |
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Business Club |
No longer in existence |
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King George V Playing Field |
All Councillors. |
4. APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE
Councillors Asquith (holiday), Cotton (Town Trustees Meeting), Mrs Rainey (family commitment) and Cllr Mavis, Lady Dunrossil (County).
5. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 25 APRIL 2006
Cllr Mustoe complained that his comments had not been recorded but when it was pointed out to him that they were included, he acknowledged that he had not fully read the Minutes.
5.3 possibly was changed to possible.
14. Cllr Pezet was changed to Cllr Cotton.
The Minutes were then confirmed as a true and accurate record and signed by the Chairman.
6. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Cllr Blundell declared an interest in item 10.8 regarding the Cricket Club.
7. TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA
a) Hampnet Sign
Reported to Gloucestershire Highways
b) Headstones in the Cemetery
Quotes for repair of headstones are being sought.
c) Renewal of Membership Subscription to Gloucestershire Market Towns Forum
Cllr Blundell advised that membership may be of some value but that it would need to be “owned” and a degree of involvement required. In the absence of anyone wishing to take this on, it was agreed to review in October 2006 when Cllr Blundell may be more able to take this on.
d) Donation to Northleach Scouts for delivering the Town Council Newsletter
The Clerk advised that the Scouts would be very pleased to receive equipment to the value of £150 in return for delivering the Newsletter and Affordable Housing Survey.
Action: Clerk to liaise with the Scouts.
e) Condition of Walls at East End
Action: Clerk still to pursue and contact land agents.
f) Parking Behind the Fire Station and The Old Prison
The Clerk confirmed that letters have been sent to the Fire Service and CDC. Replies are awaited.
g) Design Statement
Cllr Tufnell reported that Sandy Hamilton, CDC is preparing guidelines for Design Statements.
h) Highways Issues
The Clerk confirmed that meetings have been arranged with Officers of Gloucestershire Highways to progress various issues.
i) CCTV
The Clerk advised that the Council could have access to a unit on a temporary basis. However, the lampposts in the Market Place are unsuitable for supporting CCTV and other arrangements would have to be made. The purchase of a permanent unit would cost in the region of £10,000.
It was RESOLVED not to pursue in view of alternative security arrangements being made for the Post Office.
j) Bus Shelter in the Market Place
The Clerk confirmed that a £1500 grant has been allocated to the Council by Gloucestershire County Council. However, if a shelter were to be fitted on the High Street side of the exiting shelter, the permission of the owners, CDC, would have to be obtained.
Action: The Clerk to pursue.
k) Re-cycling Sign
The Clerk confirmed that the Caretaker would change the direction.
l) Abandoned Vehicle on Eastington Road
Action: Clerk to progress with CDC.
m) Cotswold Link Bus
The Clerk confirmed that Members comments have been passed on to GCC.
8. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Cllr Tufnell acknowledged that it is good to have the Press attend Council meetings.
The Old Prison
Refurbishment work has begun and 2 portacabins installed, one of which is being used by Cotswold Conservation Board staff. Interviews for the café lease are soon to take place and it may be possible to arrange for coaches visiting the Town to wait in the car park.
The Chairman asked if the café is to be licensed and Cllr Tufnell confirmed that if there was an application the conditions could be restricted by CDC.
Sherborne Arms Licence Application
Members were advised that the recent application has been granted allowing the sale of alcohol to 1.00 a.m. The Licensing Section will be issuing guidelines on the procedure should conditions not be adhered to.
The Chairman asked if the names of objectors would be made public as they were during the application process. Cllr Tufnell explained that many aspects of the regulations were still to be tried.
9. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
None.
10. FINANCE
10.1 Cash Flow Analysis and Budget Status up to 30 April 2006
These were noted. The RFO advised that:
§ The Clerk’s salary last month included the annual payment of Income Tax and National Insurance.
§ Cemetery Income needs adjustment
§ Westwoods is lagging behind budget but will catch up next month.
10.2 Bills for Payment for May 2006
Unanimously approved.
10.3 To Adopt Year End Accounts to 31 March 2006
Deferred to the next meeting.
10.4 Application for Grant to Northleach School Association
It was agreed in principle but the Chairman would contact the application to discuss in detail.
10.5 To Consider Donation Request from Sue Ryder Care, Leckhampton Court Hospice
It was RESOLVED not to make a monetary donation as there is no budget for supporting non-local organisations but to offer a booking at the Westwoods Centre for fund raising.
10.6 Quotations for Replacement Traffic Mirror at Farmington Road
It was RESOLVED to replace the mirror with one the same size made of polycarbonate for greater durability.
Action: Clerk to progress
10.7 Quotations for Replacement Notice Board in The Market Place
In view of the cost, it was RESOLVED to review this later in the year.
10.8 Payment for Loam and Seed for Cricket Pitch on Playing Field
It was RESOLVED to provide: Surrey 125 grade loam x 25-off bags and Grass seed x 1 bag as in previous years.
Action: Clerk to progress.
11. PLANNING AND TREE WORKS
11.1 The items discussed are detailed on the attached schedule.
11.2 Cllr Mustoe advised that the roots of the trees in Mays Crescent are damaging the pavements and roads.
Action: Clerk to take up with Fosseway Housing Association.
12. Tree Works
The items discussed are detailed on the attached schedule.
13. WESTWOODS CENTRE COMMITTEE
Report and Update from the Chairman
Cllr Pezet advised that there are several large functions being held in the near future and that a special rate is being advertised for Children’s Parties. The cleaning contract is successful.
Report from the Chairman
Cllr Loveday advised that the willow overhanging the stream on the Meadow is no longer blocking the flow of water but that some surgery is need on the Meadow side; Dogs signs have been installed on the Playing Fields and Meadows; most of the stones fallen from the bridge near Eastington Road have been removed. The next meeting is to take place tomorrow.
15. UPDATE AND REPORTS FROM STUDY GROUPS
15.1Traffic Calming
Cllr Blundell advised that the Group has been very active with meetings every week in the past month to progress the Road Safety Campaign.
§ The School is to carry out a survey of pedestrian usage of the Market Place, hold a poster competition and may carry out a traffic speed survey with a speed gun.
§ Cllr Mavis, Lady Dunrossil (County) has been updated on the proposal for Traffic Calming and given guidance and her support. She has recommended that the final proposal should be put to Gloucestershire Highways by September / October 2006 in order to be included in the 2007 budget.
§ The proposal will be presented at a forthcoming Traffic Calming Seminar organised by Cotswold Conservation.
§ A survey of Eastington Road has been completed.
§ A revised parking structure has been developed for consideration.
§ A meeting has been arranged with Martyn Midgley, Head of Gloucestershire Highways to present the full proposal.
15.2 Affordable Housing
Members of the Working Group gave their approval to the final proof of the questionnaire.
Action: Clerk to progress with GRCC.
15.3 Design Statement
Members were advised that, to date, no residents have shown any interest in this project.
15.4 Town Council Newsletter
All copy has now been received. Cllr Asquith and the Clerk are to meet later in the week to produce the final draft for Members’ approval.
16. Correspondence for Action:
a) Cotswold Conservation Board – Traffic Calming Seminar, 14 June 2006
Cllr Blundell, one member of the Study Group and the Clerk to attend.
b) ODPM – Procedures for making, confirming and enforcing byelaws – a Discussion Paper - Noted
c) Northleach Tennis Club – Proposals for new hut.
Cllr Loveday and 2 representatives from the Club presented the proposals. The Clerk confirmed that the NPFA do not require notice but that approval from CDC’s Planning Department would be needed.
Action: Clerk to arrange meeting with Club representatives and CDC Planner.
d) Northleach Countryside Day – Request for use of KGV and Public Liability Insurance Cover
It was RESOLVED to grant approval for the event on Sunday, 6 August 2006.
e) GAPTC – Call for Resolutions, AGM 28 July 2006 and Training Courses
Noted.
f) GCC – Waste Minimisation In Gloucestershire
Noted.
g) Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Trust – Spending Plans 2006-7
Noted.
17. Chairman’s Report
In reply to Cllr Mustoe’s criticism, The Chairman expressed his opinion that everything needs refreshing from time to time and that it is in Members hands to make any changes. He also advised that this will be his last year as Chairman.
18. Clerk’s Information Update
Noted.
19. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS
Cllr Pezet advised that:
Youth Club
Cllr Loveday advised that he had had a meeting with Mr Clive Barnes and he would continue to liaise between the Council and the Club.
Cllr Hancock advised that the Club had held a successful Jumble Sale. Members welcomed the Club’s progress in raising funds.
Sports and Social Club
Cllr Blundell advised that the Club’s AGM is taking place tonight and that a new committee is expected to be elected.
Boundary Wall at Doctors’ Surgery
Cllr Wellman advised that the wall is currently being built.
White Lines and Litter Bin
Cllr Mustoe advised that the white lines need re-painting at West End up to the traffic lights and that a litter bin is needed in the area near to Ward Road Playground.
Action: Clerk to progress.
The next meeting of Northleach with Eastington Town Council will be on Tuesday, 27 June 2006 at 7.30 p.m.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.