MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD

ON TUESDAY, 27 APRIL 2010

PRESENT:          Cllr Mrs J Lawrence (Vice Chairman and Deputy Mayor), Cllr N Blades (from 7.55 pm), Cllr D Cotton, Cllr N Fletcher, Cllr M Gaut, Cllr M Pezet, Cllr Mrs J Pullin, Cllr P Sanders, Cllr A Wellman, Mrs C Braidwood (Clerk) and 1 member of the public.

50/10

Apologies and Reasons for Absence

Cllr Chris Hancock (Personal)

51/10

Acceptance and signing of Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 23 March 2010

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

52/10

Declaration of Interests

Cllr M Gaut – Secretary, NNAA – Item 58.2/10

Cllr D Cotton – Member of St Peter’s & St Paul’s PCC – Item 55.4/10

53/10

Matters Arising from the above Minutes not included on the Agenda

Market

It was RESOLVED not to involve the Council in the running of the market and it was agreed that market forces would dictate its success or failure.

54/10

Co-opt to fill the Vacancy for Councillor

It was RESOLVED to defer to the next meeting to enable full consideration to be give to all candidates.

55/10

Finance

55.1/10

Draft Minutes from the Finance Meeting held on Thursday, 15 April 2010

Noted. 

55.2/10

Bills for Payment for February and March 2010

Proposed:  Cllr M Gaut          Seconded:  Cllr M Pezet and unanimously RESOLVED to approve.

55.3/10

Budget Status for Year End at 31 March 2010

Noted

55.4/10

Report from the Chairman of the Finance Committee

Cllr Mrs Lawrence proposed the following:

·       £200 donation to North Cotswold Voluntary Help Centre – Seconded:  Cllr M Gaut

·       Contribution of £300 to St Peter’s & St Paul’s PCC as contribution towards the Churchyard lighting -  Seconded:  Cllr M Pezet

It was unanimously RESOLVED to accept these recommendations.

Cllr Mrs Lawrence advised that money will be very tight this year with no spare capacity although funds have been set aside for the MUGA development and refurbishment of the play area.  She also advised that the Auditor is coming on 13 May and the report should be available by the next meeting.

55.5/10

Reviewed Risk Assessment

Proposed:  Cllr Mrs J Lawrence         Seconded:  Cllr M Pezet

Unanimously RESOLVED to adopt.

56/10

Planning and Tree Works

56.1/10

Schedule of New Planning Applications, Applications Responded to and Decision Notices Received

Noted.

56.2/10

Report from the Chairman of the Planning Committee

Cllr Mrs Lawrence drew Members attention to the Church Farmyard development detailed on the schedule.

57/10

Property and Premises Maintenance Committee

57.1/10

Draft Minute from the Committee Meeting held on Monday, 22 March 2010

 Noted.

57.2/10

Action:

To Receive Report from the Chairman of the P&PM Committee

Cllr Wellman advised that Dr James’ wall bordering the river is in very bad repair and children have been playing on it making it worse.  It was agreed that Cllr Wellman should advise Dr James as request that he addresses the problem.

58/10

Westwoods Committee

58.1/10

Draft Minutes from the Committee Meeting held on Monday, 22 March 2010

Noted

58.2/10

To Receive Report from the Chairman of the Westwoods Committee

Nothing further to report. 

59/10

Allotments Committee

Cllr M Gaut advised that a report from NNAA had been presented to the Committee detailing requests which were being investigated:

·       Dilapidated Wall to be removed.

·       Water Supply to site.

·       Fencing to protect from balls landing on plots

·       Grass cut on paths

Cllr Gaut also advised that the Editor of Garden magazine will be on site in June with a photographer to interview plot holders and a BBQ has been donated.

60/10

Working Groups and Projects

60.1/10

Report from the Chairman of the Development Group

MUGA

Cllr Pezet advised that the Arboricultural report has identified 3 trees in the hedgerow bordering river that are covered by ivy and may have bats.  If so, this will affect the provision of lighting.  A fallen tree needs to be removed.  Cllr Pezet confirmed that planning is not needed for the MUGA but will be required for additional car parking.  However, this could have multi use – skateboarding etc.

Pavilion

A consultant is looking at options and preparing a report with costings.

Pedestrian Bridge over River Adjacent to Eastington Road

Members were advised that the width of the bridge needs to be increased to 1.5 m. 

61/10

Chairman’s Report

Cllr Mrs Lawrence advised that Cllr Hancock would give his report at the next meeting.

62/10

Correspondence

62.1/10

CDC – Request for Temporary Road Closure for Northleach Charter Fair – 26 June 2010

Noted

Car Parking Strategy -  Noted

Walks Map

It was suggested that Guy Vowles be put in contact with Mrs Margaret Scott-Browne and it was noted that the Community Association Walks leaflet is not being reprinted.

62.2/10

Other urgent items received since publication of the agenda

Letter from Christian Aid Co-ordinator

It was noted that the annual house to house collection will take place during the week commencing 9 May 2010.

Letter from British Society of Dowsers

This letter was passed to the Council from Cotswold Hall and expressed concern at the amount of dog faeces around the Town.

63/10

Representatives on Other Bodies

An Opportunity for Members representing the Council on Other Bodies to Give Brief Verbal Reports.

None

64/10

Any Other Business

Cllr Mrs J Pullin confirmed that there is a considerable amount of dog mess around the Town despite the Council’s attempts to bring this to residents’ attention.

Cllr N Fletcher agreed that the future of the Market will be determined by market forces.

Cllr Wellman enquired if the Cotswold Hall Committee would be prepared to take over the maintenance of the flower tubs outside the Hall.  Mr Astic agreed to consult the Committee.

65/10

Public Question Time (2) - Standing Order 22 refers

None