Godmanchester Town Council Minutes.

The Minutes of the Godmanchester Town Council are provided simply to increase ease of access for fellow residents here in GMC. The content does not necessarily reflect the views of the webmaster (Stuart Bond) or Godmanchester Community Association. The Minutes are released to the public once they are approved.

Please note that the financial details are not held on this website and that only the entire Minutes as recorded in the Minutes Book have legal standing. Hard copies are posted around the town on the noticeboards and also sent to Huntingdon Library. If you have any queries please contact the Town Clerk by e-mail or telephone / fax 388 870.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN THE GODMANCHESTER TOWN HALL ON THURSDAY 18 JANUARY 2007

PRESENT: H R BUTCHER Town Mayor, M COHEN Deputy Town Mayor
Councillors: D BROWN, W D BUTTERWORTH, Mrs C A GODLEY, A GOFF, B HENNESSY, Mrs H HULL, C R HYAMS, E KYNOCH, Mrs A M LOOKER, Mrs E TREHARNE-JONES, G WILSON

Town Clerk: Mrs M LIDDIARD

APOLOGIES:
ABSENT: Cllrs Mrs B MOORE, C VANE PERCY

1 member of the public was in attendance

UPDATE FROM ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

Mr Wooton, Area Flood Risk Manager and Mr Rowlinson, Project Manager attended to advise the Town Council of progress in relation to the Flood Alleviation Scheme for Godmanchester. Mr Wooton confirmed schemes were looked at on a National basis and funding had not been received for the Godmanchester Scheme for the coming year and indicators showed it was unlikely that funding would be available for the next 3 years.

The Environment Agency had decided not to release details of the preferred option for formal consultation until funding was available but it was AGREED the Town Council would be kept informed of any progress as it was made.

CLLR BROWN AND CLLR KYNOCH ARRIVED AT 7.36PM
CLLR HENNESSY ARRIVED AT 7.38PM
CLLR HYAMS ARRIVED AT 7.45PM

Councillors raised concerns regarding the large green booms placed across the sluice in the Great Ouse. Mr Wooton confirmed they had been installed to improve public safety and to ensure boats or people could not go over weirs or sluices, however, Cllrs felt these booms provided reduced safety should a person fall into the river and Mr Wooton agreed to relay our concerns to the Waterways Department.

MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE MAYOR advised he had represented the Town on 4 occasions since the last meeting.

THE MAYOR confirmed he would be standing down as Mayor in April and nomination forms for the roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor were issued to all Councillors.

THE MAYOR reported the Mayoral Chain needed repair and APPROVAL to meet the costs up to £400 was AGREED.

THE MAYOR reported following the death of our caretaker, Arthur Popplewell, his funeral had taken place and had been well attended by members of the Town Council. Donations in Arthur’s memory were to be made to Wood Green Animal Shelter and the Town Clerk would forward any donations made. THE MAYOR confirmed Fred Carter had AGREED to take on Arthur’s role as part-time caretaker and the Town Council were asked to ratify this appointment. All present AGREED.

THE MAYOR suggested that although Martin Williams was totally reliable in his role as Mace Bearer, it may be helpful to have a Deputy Mace Bearer. Mr Fred Carter had expressed an interest in assisting and it was AGREED that he should be asked to act on Mr William’s behalf to cover holiday periods. Town Clerk would advise Mr Williams and Mr Carter.

The Community Association have advised that they now have 7 complete years of Town Council minutes available on-line.

THE MAYOR advised the Twinning Business Meeting would take place over 8th-10th February. Godmanchester would host 1 evening and it was AGREED to meet costs up to £500.

THE MAYOR stated as Godmanchester would celebrate 25 years independence from Huntingdon this year it would be appropriate to have a photograph of the full Town Council taken. He also requested approval to purchase badges denoting “Past Mayor” for Godmanchester Town Council. Those without an interest in this voted and the purchase was AGREED. Figures provided indicate a cost of approximately £235 for 25 badges.

THE MAYOR also pointed out we do not have a photograph of The Queen hanging in the Town Hall. It was AGREED to purchase a print unless any Cllr can provide a suitable print.

THE MAYOR confirmed details of his holiday and confirmed the Town Clerk would be on holiday soon.

07/001 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the meeting held on 21 December 2006 were APPROVED and signed as a complete and accurate record.

07/002 MATTERS ARISING

CLLR HYAMS asked for volunteers to put together the first edition of the Town Council newsletter. CLLRS BUTTERWORTH, HENNESSY and WILSON will all provide assistance and any Cllrs with anything to contribute should forward articles to CLLR HYAMS.

CLLR BUTTERWORTH has prepared a further response regarding Traffic Calming. This would be sent to the Highways Division in the first instance.

CLLR BROWN had provided a quotation to supply an additional noticeboard for the QES. Costs of £82.70 were APPROVED.

CLLR BUTTERWORTH advised the Town Council should know shortly about the bid under the Minor Improvement Schemes in relation to the footpath at the Church gates. The issue of the lantern above the gates would be addressed at the same time. It was AGREED as soon as the outcome of the bid was known, the Town Clerk would write to the contractors advising them of the outcome and arrange on-site meetings.

CLLR BUTTERWORTH advised he had received 3 responses in relation to the enquiry relating to safety in Old Court Hall/West Street. He would prepare a letter to the Highways Division.

CLLR GOFF advised a letter had been prepared to be delivered to all households asking their views in relation to the proposed replacement skateramps. Printing costs for 2700 copies in the sum of £98 were APPROVED.

07/003 CORRESPONDENCE: (Also see Appendix A)

THE MAYOR reported our insurers had requested information about the date the trees were planted at Judith’s Field and also details of the date of construction for Judith’s Field recreation hall. The Town Clerk had not obtained exact dates but would reply confirming two former Town Mayor’s would swear an affidavit stating the trees had been planted in the early 1980s.

THE MAYOR advised feedback from Marche de France had been positive and they proposed holding a further market on Sunday 15th July. This was AGREED. Town Clerk would also enquire into possibility of a local Farmer’s Market being held in Godmanchester.

A quotation had been received for the repair to the Town Hall window following vandalism last month. Although a temporary repair had been carried out, it was recommended the job be completed properly. The quotation from Geoff Copping Glassworks in the sum of £653.73 was APPROVED. The Town Clerk would submit a claim against our insurance.

A request had been received for an overnight booking of the QES by a Godmanchester Brownie and Guide pack. The Town Clerk confirmed there were no issues raised in connection with our Premises Licence and it was AGREED this booking could be made.

CLLR BUTTERWORTH confirmed the Town Clerk had written to seek clarification and status regarding the path running behind Martins Close/Bergamont Close.

CLLR BUTTERWORTH confirmed he had assisted the Town Clerk in providing details of areas managed by the Town Council in relation to litter and refuse. This had been returned to the Operations Division.

CLLR BUTTERWORTH reported a letter had been sent to Highways Division regarding the unfinished pavement in Park Lane, asking them to complete it as a matter of public safety.

The gate for the entrance to Judith’s Field has been lying in the field for some time. It was AGREED to store the gate for the time being and CLLR MRS LOOKER would liaise with CLLRS BROWN and BUTTERWORTH to remove it as soon as possible.

CLLR MRS HULL reported details of the c-card scheme which aims to promote sexual health for teenagers. A request had been made that Judith’s Field Youth Workers who attend each Tuesday evening, be designated as a pick-up point which would mean holders of a c-card could call at Judith’s Field to collect condoms. C-cards are only issued to young people following a consultation and the Youth Workers running pick up points will have been fully trained. It was AGREED Judith’s Field could be a designated pick-up point but if any problems arose this would be reviewed. CLLR MRS HULL would circulate details to all Cllrs and also provide further details regarding the ID required on the c-cards.

CLLR MRS TREHARNE-JONES reported she had received three quotations for provision of two cradle swings to be located at Judith’s Field. The quotations also provided for an extension to the fenced area. The quotation from Kompan in the sum of £4001.00 was APPROVED. Town Clerk would advise all three companies.

CLLR BROWN reported the approximate cost for refurbishment of the piece of equipment at Judith’s Field would be £80. This was APPROVED.

CLLR WILSON advised he would attend a meeting to be held in Hilton to discuss the A14. He further reported that Jonathan Djanogly had acknowledged receipt of our letters and advised he wished to have all comments by 27th February. CLLR WILSON advised that the Highways Division had acknowledged receipt of our letter requesting further details. They have offered to meet the Town Council and CLLR WILSON will raise further questions and arrange to meet with them in the first instance to obtain full responses to our enquiries. CLLR HENNESSY would prepare an article for the local press stating Godmanchester’s position.

CLLR WILSON advised he would e-mail a draft response to HDC regarding the Local Development Framework Housing Land availability Assessment (CLLR MRS LOOKER and CLLR HYAMS expressed an interest in this matter).

CLLR MRS GODLEY left at 9.50pm

07/004 ACCOUNTS.

The accounts set out in Appendix B were APPROVED. Town Clerk would confirm details of interest payments to NS&I account.

07/005 PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE

The applications and correspondence set out in Appendix C were considered. The Town Clerk would advise HDC of the Council’s recommendations.

07/006 DISTRICT/COUNTY COUNCIL REPORTS.

CLLR HYAMS had received some information about CCC grants. He would investigate further and circulate details to all Cllrs.

07/007 WORKING PARTY (WP) REPORTS : not covered by correspondence

CLLR MRS HULL advised that the number of attendees for the under 16 youth group had continued to drop and the Youth Workers had decided to make the Tuesday session at Judith’s Field available for over 16s. CLLR MRS HULL was seeking assurance that the under 16 group would re-introduced before Easter.

The Youth Worker had requested some bean bags for use at Judith’s Field and also a football game table. Expenditure up to £250 was APPROVED.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

CLLR BUTTERWORTH advised we should ensure appropriate signage in relation to the CCTV camera outside the Town Hall should be displayed and old signs removed. Town Clerk would take appropriate action.

CLLR MRS HULL asked that the Town Clerk obtain current copies of the Parish Councillors Guide.

CLLR HENNESSY asked that comments be forwarded to him regarding the intra Councillor complaints procedure.

CLLR BROWN reported he had noticed the Town Clerk had been working in excess of her agreed hours. This matter would be discussed at the next Finance Working Party.

CLLR BROWN was concerned not all residents were kept up to date with regard Flood Warnings through the automated system. CLLR HYAMS advised CLLR MRS GODLEY was discussing this matter through the District Council. Town Clerk to ask CLLR MRS GODLEY to advise all Cllrs of relevant information.

THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON 15 FEBRUARY 2007

The meeting ended at 10.20 pm Mayor

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