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 MAY 2006

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

Town Clerk: Mrs M LIDDIARD
Mace Bearer: M WILLIAMS

APOLOGIES: Cllrs Mrs B MOORE, C VANE PERCY
ABSENT:
There were 4 members of the public present.

OUTGOING TOWN MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS.

The MAYOR advised that he had represented the Town on 10 occasions since the last meeting, and over 100 during his time as MAYOR. The DEPUTY MAYOR had represented the Town on 2 occasions since the last meeting.

The Civic Ball and other fund raising activities had raised £1000 which was presented equally to the MAYOR’s two charities: MAGPAS and East Anglian Air Ambulance. It had been a busy year with an unusually high turnover of staff, both Town Clerk and Assistant Town Clerk had been replaced and a new Caretaker employed.

Cllr Mrs Hull arrived at 7.35pm

Twinning had played a large part during the year with Godmanchester hosting the Annual Business Meeting in February and the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Twinning Agreement with Szentendre in May.

The MAYOR reported that despite the turbulence and high workload, both he and Pat had enjoyed the experience and it had given them great pleasure to have represented Godmanchester as MAYOR and MAYORESS. They had flown the flag for Godmanchester, met many interesting people and visited many places for the first time.

The MAYOR thanked all Councillors and staff for their support during the year, but expressed his disappointment that no one had come forward to be elected as MAYOR during 2006/2007. As the tradition goes back a long way, it would be a shame to see it discontinued.

Finally, the MAYOR thanked his wife for her unstinting support.

The MAYOR reported that Cllr MRS MOORE had fallen and broken her hip about two weeks ago. She is at home and would appreciate callers.

06/033 INAUGURATION OF THE TOWN MAYOR FOR 2006/2007

The MAYOR having been duly elected signed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

06/034INAUGURATION OF THE DEPTY TOWN MAYOR FOR 2006/2007

The DEPUTY MAYOR having been duly elected signed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

INCOMING TOWN MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

The MAYOR welcomed Reverend Ally Barrett and requested she lead the Council in prayer for the Town, the Mayor, Councillors and the Queen.

The MAYOR welcomed Cllr Graham WILSON to the meeting, who is known to many from his previous tenure with Godmanchester Town Council.

The MAYOR stated that as all Cllrs were aware, he had had no intention of running for another year, but in the absence of any nominations he had reluctantly agreed to fulfil the role, but only with the assent and support of his wife. The MAYOR confirmed he had already pre-planned a number of absences during the year and would require the full support of the Council during his tenure.

The MAYOR will be on holiday from 1-18 June. A number of events have arisen during the period that will need representation from the Council. The MAYOR will also be away for the June Town Council meeting and the DEPUTY MAYOR will need to Chair this.

As part of the Twinning Agreement the MAYOR has been invited to a number of Civic events at the twin towns during the year. He would be accompanied by the MAYORESS. The Council APPROVED in principle the payment of the air fares for the MAYOR and MAYORESS on each occasion. Cost details would be provided as the occasions arose.

The MAYOR outlined the proposal to assign areas of responsibility to each Cllr. Correspondence received in the Town Office will be referred to the Cllr responsible for the matter, who will then report to the full Council as the need arises. Should a working party be needed the named Cllr would chair such a group.

Finally, the MAYOR confirmed that his chosen charity for the year was Huntingdon Volunteer Bureau.

Cllr BUTTERWORTH proposed a vote of thanks to the MAYOR and DEPUTY MAYOR for their tireless efforts on behalf of Godmanchester Town Council. This was seconded by Cllr MRS LOOKER.

Cllr Mrs Godley arrived at 8.00pm

06/035 MAYORAL PURSE AND MAYORAL ROBES

The MAYOR reported that he had overspent on the Mayoral Budget last year and requested an increase of £200 bringing the sum to £1700 for the year. This was APPROVED.

The MAYOR reported the Mayoral Robes required cleaning and would cost in the region of £50. It was AGREED that both the MAYOR’S robes and also the DEPUTY MAYOR’S robes would be cleaned at a further cost of £50. It was further AGREED that the MAYOR would purchase a new hat and it was also AGREED that a hat should be purchased for the DEPUTY MAYOR. Costs for each would be approximately £300. Town Clerk would confirm the appropriate style to be worn by the DEPUTY MAYOR.

06/036 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20 April 2006 were APPROVED and signed as a complete and accurate record.

06/037 MATTERS ARISING.

The Outstanding Actions List, dated 20 April 2006 was reviewed.

The memorial for David Comben and his wife was discussed. The wording and materials to be used proposed by Cllr BUTTERWORTH and Cllr MRS LOOKER were APPROVED and it was AGREED that a fleur de lys rather than Godmanchester Town Council or GMCTC would be added to the bottom of the plaque. Town Clerk to place the order and confirm costs following this amendment. Match funding would be required and all Cllrs would be advised of the amount they would need to contribute. Cllrs to contact Town Clerk if they do not wish to contribute, so accurate calculations can be made.

The on-going issue of the Stopping Up Order was discussed. Town Clerk was instructed to seek advice from NALC and also Head of Legal Services at Huntingdonshire District Council. All Cllrs to be made aware of responses as they were received.

06/038CORRESPONDENCE.

Correspondence listed in Appendix A

The MAYOR confirmed he had received Cllr COXHEAD’S resignation. We now have a casual vacancy, which will be advertised on the Town’s noticeboards.

A quotation from Sally Woodcock, Painting Conservator, had been received in respect of the prevention of further deterioration to the Mayoral Board. It was AGREED to accept her quotation in the sum of £517.60 for two people to work for a day to undertake tests on the damaged lettering and to provide advice on work required. This quotation would include a full report, which would be useful if grants were to be applied for.

Town Clerk would reply to a letter from Hilton Parish Council regarding the A14 upgrade, stating the Town Council supported the proposed option and would not join forces to oppose the plans.

A quotation from Breheny to replace a damaged bollard at Judith’s Field in the sum of £398 was APPROVED. Town Clerk to confirm with Breheny.

The meeting was adjourned at 9.02pm to receive questions from the public.

Mr Williams, Mace Bearer, offered to help in whatever way the Council felt appropriate, to reduce burdens where possible. He was thanked for his offer and commitment to the Town Council.

A resident from New Street had attended to hear how the Town Council were going to respond to a planning application in relation to 8 New Street.

The meeting was reconvened at 9.05pm

06/039 ACCOUNTS.

The accounts set out in Appendix B were APPROVED.

06/040 PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE.

The applications and correspondence set out in Appendix C were considered. Cllr HYAMS declared an interest in all planning matters. Cllr KYNOCH declared an interest in Application: 0601289LBC.

An application for the erection of 82 dwellings at land adjacent to Wigmore Farm was discussed. A vote was taken: 6 Cllrs voted in favour of recommending APPROVAL and 5 Cllrs voted in favour of recommending REFUSAL. Cllr HYAMS abstained. It was therefore AGREED to recommend APPROVAL on this matter although concerns would be expressed in relation to matters not addressed in the application. The Town Clerk would advise HDC of the Council’s recommendations.

06/041 DISTRICT/COUNTY COUNCIL REPORTS.

Cllr MRS GODLEY had been asked by a resident whether a litterbin could be placed in the lay-by next to the allotments. Town Clerk will take up the request with HDC along with suggestions for other locations for additional litterbins.

Provision of a second youth club for older youngsters was still being discussed. Nothing further to report at this time.

Cllr MRS GODLEY left at 9.40pm.

Cllr HYAMS reported that the pedestrian crossing scheduled for The Avenue had been put on hold.

Cllr HYAMS is following up a series of complaints about potholes and was pleased to report drainage in Kisby Avenue is now receiving attention.

06/042 WORKING PARTY (WP) REPORTS.

Cemetery. On the day of the litter pick, Cllr COHEN removed dead flowers from pots in the Cemetery and also cut down foliage from flowering bulbs in preparation for the grass to be cut. Two complaints had been received regarding removal of dead flowers and Town Clerk would respond providing this explanation. Cllr COHEN will provide a list of the graves that require turfing to be passed to the contractor.

Environment. The MAYOR thanked all Cllrs and members of the public who had helped with the litter pick. As Cllr TREHARNE-JONES will now be responsible for play equipment, the quotation for a new piece of equipment was passed to her for consideration.

Finance. Nothing to report.

Flood Defences. We are still awaiting sight of the draft consultation document.

Health & Safety. Nothing to report.

Property/Judith’s Field. Steve Moller has now retired and his role has not been filled. Therefore no progress has been made in relation to replacing the skate ramps. Cllr GOFF reported that the fence between Roman Way and Judith’s Field has been replaced.

Other Representative Groups/Twinning/ Youth Initiative.

The MAYOR reported that the celebrations for the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Charter with Szentendre had gone well.

Cllr MRS LOOKER and Cllr MRS HULL reported on the latest position regarding Godmanchester Youth Focus Group and HCSP ASB Thematic Group meetings. A proposal had been put forward by the Youth Workers, which requested a contribution from the Town Council in the sum of £629. This was APPROVED.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS. Nothing was raised.

THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON 15 JUNE 2006

The meeting ended at 10.32 pm Mayor

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