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.

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN THE GODMANCHESTER TOWN HALL ON THURSDAY 17 JULY 2008

PRESENT: G WILSON Town Mayor,
Councillors: D BROWN, H R BUTCHER, T CANT, M COHEN Deputy Town Mayor, M DOBBIE, Mrs C DUTTON, J DUTTON, A GOFF, C R HYAMS, Mrs A M LOOKER, Ms D MIDDLETON C RICHARDSON, M RZYMEK, C VANE PERCY

Town Clerk: Mrs M LIDDIARD

APOLOGIES: Cllrs: Mrs H HULL, N WELLS

MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE MAYOR reported he had represented the Town on 13 occasions and the DEPUTY MAYOR had represented the Town on 5 occasions.

THE MAYOR reported Gala Week, Gala Day and Picnic in the Park had been very successful and there had been a good turnout on Gala Day. Town Clerk would write to GMCCA to pass on the Town Council’s thanks and to confirm our agreement to offer support for the following year’s event, subject to approval of a S137 request.

THE MAYOR reminded everyone that GMC in Bloom would be judged on 28th July and a litter pick would be held on Saturday 26th July starting at 10am at the Town Hall, in preparation of the judges visit. All invited to take part. CLLR BROWN would be taking part in a BBC Radio Cambridge interview on 20th July in relation to Godmanchester in Bloom. THE MAYOR confirmed that the Best Kept Front Garden competition had been judged and first, second and third places awarded.

THE MAYOR thanked Cllrs who had assisted in the distribution of compost on 12th July. Thanks were also noted for David Roffe’s efforts in organising this event and to Mary Evans of Park Lane Nurseries for her assistance.

The Town Clerk had advised she would take a holiday during the school summer holidays. Dates would be confirmed by e-mail.

THE MAYOR reported that holiday periods for the two Caretakers for QES and Judith’s Field would overlap by one week. It was AGREED that should Mrs Carter, who would provide relief cover, need to cover both facilities on any day, that double her daily rate would be paid.

THE MAYOR advised that CLLR RZYMEK was forming a working party to discuss options and possibilities for the space at Judith’s Field, previously occupied by the skate ramps which had now been removed. THE MAYOR went on to confirm that working parties should be formed to involve other people when considering or developing ideas and Cllrs should not feel they needed to tackle an issue alone.

08/61 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the meeting held on 19 June 2008 were APPROVED and signed as a complete and accurate record.

PRESENTATION BY PCSO

PCSO Debbie Thorburn introduced herself to the meeting and confirmed she had covered Godmanchester and Hinchingbrooke area for the past 5 years on her bike.

The lack of parade on Gala Day had upset several people and it was confirmed that such a procession was deemed a road closure and any future events requiring temporary road closure would need to be organised through the Highways Department.

PCSO Thorburn was asked whether the times for the Picnic in the Park event were considered appropriate by the Police as this year’s event had ended with minor incidents which could perhaps be avoided by ending the event a little earlier. PCSO Thorburn considered that it was an isolated incident and that the day had gone well without problems from anyone attending. Changing the times would not, in her opinion, alter the possibility of problems arising.

PCSO Thorburn confirmed she had witnessed the recent arson attack on the skate ramps at Judith’s Field and that an arrest was imminent.

CLLR DOBBIE thanked the PCSOs for the information circulated through e-cops and all Cllrs were given details of how they could sign up, if they had not done so already.

PCSO Thorburn would provide the Town Clerk with details of a near-by Parish who had assisted their PCSO with provision of an electric bike. The Town Clerk would then investigate the possibility of supporting our PCSO with a similar purchase.

THE MAYOR thanked Debbie for attending, and it was AGREED the Town Clerk would write to the Chief Constable to express our thanks for a thorough and professional service provided by PCSO Thorburn and her colleagues.

08/62 CONSIDERATION OF DRAFT STANDING ORDERS

CLLR COHEN presented a draft document outlining suggested Standing Orders to be adopted by Godmanchester Town Council. CLLR DOBBIE thanked CLLR COHEN for putting together such a sensible straight forward document. CLLR DUTTON confirmed that matters to be referred to the Standards Board, were now dealt with at District Council level. It was AGREED that a working party would be arranged to discuss comments and suggestions for change. Town Clerk would advise all Cllrs of the date and the aim would be to have a final document for acceptance and approval at the August Town Council meeting. All Cllrs to pass their comments to CLLR COHEN.

08/63 MATTERS ARISING

CLLR DUTTON outlined the proposals to be put forward for the next Jointly Funded Minor Improvement Bid. He would liaise with the Town Clerk to ensure the application was submitted by the deadline.

CLLR MRS DUTTON confirmed the previously agreed costs for repairs to pieces of play equipment would not benefit from a reduction in labour costs for not fitting all suggested parts. It was therefore suggested it would be cost effective to have the further remaining item fitted at the same time to avoid a future additional charge for labour. Amended costs of £743 for repairs to play equipment at Judith’s Field and Queen’s Walk were therefore APPROVED. Town Clerk would place an order for this work, and would also ensure minor maintenance items were undertaken.

CLLR MRS LOOKER had received one suggestion from a resident putting forward a suggestion for commemorating 2012. It was considered holding a public meeting to raise awareness and involve Schools, Churches, Community Association and other groups within the community would be a good idea. This would be arranged and held after the school summer break.

CLLR BUTCHER reported he had met with representatives from Smiths Gore for the Church Commissioners, the Fishing Club, Cambridgeshire County Council and the Ramblers Association to discuss the route of the footpath at Monks Pitt. A press release would be issued once all parties had agreed the wording.

CLLR BROWN stated the newly refurbished electricity substation adjacent to the Town Hall looked much better, but that the ground in front of the new brick wall was uneven and unsightly. It was AGREED that gravel would be purchased and used to cover this uneven area.

CLLR BUTCHER confirmed he had discussed possible alternative routes for the relocation of the Right of Way currently running through the Allotment Gardens with the Rights of Way Officer. We are waiting to receive approval for the relocation of the footpath from Smiths Gore on behalf of the Church Commissioners who own the land.

CLLR BROWN confirmed that following agreement from the Community Services Co-ordinator to provide workers to paint the railings along The Avenue and to cut back the vegetation around the upright posts, the Town Clerk had written to Jewson’s asking for their support in the form of a donation of materials or a reduction in costs for materials. We await their response. CLLR BROWN also mentioned that following repairs to the railings undertaken by The Freemen, that some further remedial work was required. Town Clerk to ask The Freemen to liaise with CLLR BROWN.

CLLR RZYMEK advised a new working party was being set up to discuss options and possibilities for use of the area formerly occupied by the skate ramps which had recently been removed following further acts of vandalism. Cllrs whose responsibilities covered issues to be considered had been invited to contribute to discussions (Youth, Play Areas, Judith’s Field, Finance, Police) CLLR MS MIDDLETON had volunteered to chair the group as communication with the community would be a key issue. It was AGREED that a public meeting would be arranged following the school holidays and that consideration would be given to a questionnaire or a special newsletter to be published early in Autumn.
CLLR GOFF had received information on alternative skate ramps and these costs and designs would be considered along with other suggestions when the working party meet.

08/64 CORRESPONDENCE - see Appendix A

CLLR HYAMS arrived at 9.17pm

THE MAYOR advised we have received a quotation from RNID for a hearing aid loop system to be installed in the Town Hall chamber. The cost of £1468 was APPROVED. It was AGREED that at this time we would not proceed with installation of a system in the QES halls. Installation of the system is dependent on approval from the Senior Citizens Club and confirmation of approval from the Conservation Officer. Town Clerk to liaise.

CLLR BROWN raised a suggestion that the Town Council work with Huntingdonshire Regional College following a proposal by Cllr Brown to offer some of their students, nearing completion of practical courses, the opportunity to undertake an element of practical work for the betterment of local communities. One suggestion was to produce an angled flower bed located on the land next to the War Memorial, facing The Avenue depicting the Fleur de Lys. The students would be qualified or nearly qualified and the costs would obviously be materials and an element of salary. CLLR VANE PERCY had been approached with a view to producing a design for this project. The Town Council is keen to support this venture in principle as a one off project but considered there may be difficulties in providing other similar suitable projects of a practical nature at other times. CLLR BROWN would have further discussions with the Principal of Huntingdonshire Regional College.

CLLR COHEN advised that the War Memorial Trust had written to ask for a grant. Town Clerk would reply advising next S137 requests would be considered in December.

CLLR DOBBIE stated he hoped to arrange a meeting at the Roman Gate Surgery to discuss the current system of a 48 hour wait for repeat prescriptions. He also stated he, and many residents were delighted that the Godmanchester Post Office was not affected following announcement of a list of Post Offices facing closure.

CLLR HYAMS reported HDC had advised on a Flood Forum Meeting to be held.

CLLR HYAMS reported the Environment Agency had written regarding procedure relating to road closures during periods of flooding. He would follow this up and report back to all Cllrs as appropriate.

The Environment Agency were also undertaking site investigations at three locations in Godmanchester in relation to their work on the Flood Defence programme. The car park at the Town Hall would be closed for 2 days while a bore hole was dug as part of the investigation.

CLLR RZYMEK confirmed receipt of our Insurance Schedule from Zurich Insurance.

08/65 ACCOUNTS

The accounts set out in Appendix B were APPROVED. A petty cash account for the period ending 17th July 2008 was presented to the Council. The Town Clerk also presented a quarterly bank reconciliation for the period to 30th June 2008 to all Cllrs.

08/66 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

The applications and correspondence set out in Appendix C were considered. The Town Clerk would advise HDC of the Council’s recommendations. CLLR DUTTON declared an interest and did not take part in discussions on Planning matters.

CLLR VANE PERCY left at 10.25 pm

It was AGREED to hold a meeting on 7th August to discuss the Core Strategy. CLLR MRS LOOKER declared an interest as her family own land included in the options and she confirmed she would not take part or be present for any discussions on the Core Strategy.

CLLR MS MIDDLETON left at 10.38pm

08/67 DISTRICT/COUNTY COUNCIL REPORTS

CLLR HYAMS reported the Deparment of Transport had released £6 billion for motorway improvements and it was suggested the work on the A14 might begin in 2010. Mr Clarke, Public Liaison for Costain Skanska would be invited to attend the next Town Council meeting to report on progress on this project.

Parking charges for the Bridge Place car park had been approved although the Town Council had not been invited to comment prior to the decisions being taken. It was thought the new charges would come into effect around October 2008.

08/68 WORKING PARTY (WP) REPORTS: not covered by correspondence
Nothing to report.

MISCELLANEOUS

CLLR DOBBIE reported that he had delivered letters to residents asking them to cut back overhanging shrubbery causing obstruction to footpaths, and had been pleased to note residents had complied with the requests.

CLLR BROWN advised there would be a “Last Night at the Proms” concert held at The Comrades Club on 13th September, everyone invited to attend.

CLLR MRS LOOKER left at 10.50pm

THE MAYOR advised newer Cllrs on the background of the Core Strategy and responses that had been sent from Godmanchester Town Council in the past. He advised all Cllrs to read the summary report prior to the meeting to be held to discuss our response to the latest correspondence on the Core Strategy, on 7th August.

CLLR BROWN advised he had attended the AGM of the Huntingdonshire CAB as the Town Council’s representative.

THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON 21 AUGUST 2008

The meeting ended at 10.58pm Mayor

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