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 17 MAY 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, C R HYAMS, Mrs A M LOOKER, Mrs B MOORE, Mrs E TREHARNE-JONES,

Town Clerk: Mrs M LIDDIARD
Mace Bearer: Mr M Williams

APOLOGIES: Cllrs E KYNOCH, C VANE PERCY, G WILSON
ABSENT: Cllr Mrs H HULL,

1 member of the public was present

OUTGOING MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE MAYOR had represented the Town on 10 occasions since last meeting and over 100 during the year.

CLLR MRS TREHARNE-JONES arrived at 7.34pm

Despite his initial reluctance to stand as Mayor for a further year THE MAYOR stated he and his wife Pat had once again enjoyed the experience and had been proud to have represented Godmanchester at many Civic, Charitable and Social occasions throughout Cambridgeshire and beyond. They had met many nice people with whom they would keep in touch with in the future.

THE MAYOR reported his duties had been many and varied including: presentation of badges to the Rainbows, judging: Guys, Allotments, Carnival floats and Fancy Dress on Gala Day, attending the Scouts Jamboree and attending the AGM's of various charitable organisations. He had also cut the tape at Clarence House pre-school, had coffee and cakes with the Senior Citizens and celebrated his birthday with a lady of 100 years young.

He was proud to have presided over a year in which significant improvements had been made and new initiatives promoted, such as: renovation of kitchen and toilets and fitting of ceiling fans in QES (curtains should also have been replaced but there has been a slight delay), upgrading of facilities in Judith's Field, enhancement to play areas, ongoing bid for replacement skate park, improvements to cemetery, introduction of News Letter, licensing of facilities and introduction of 'Former Mayor' badges.

Twinning had also played a large part in the year with a visit to Wertheim to celebrate 25 years of twinning between our towns, a visit to Szentendre to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Uprising and at home, co-hosting the annual Business Meeting with the mayor of Huntingdon.

THE MAYOR’s charity for the year had been the Huntingdon Volunteer Bureau. Following two successful charity events, a Quiz Night and a Charity Ball, THE MAYOR had had the pleasure to hand over in excess of £1400 to the Co-ordinator, Mrs Sandra Attewell.

THE MAYOR thanked all Councillors and Staff who had supported him so ably during the year. He offered special thanks to the Town Clerk who, although still on a steep learning curve, had kept him in line and without whose support he would not have been able to carry out his duties to the full. Finally, THE MAYOR offered his thanks and gratitude to his wife Pat, who had supported him in full throughout the year.

THE MAYOR also thanked the REV David Busk who, on his arrival in Sept 2006, was immediately involved in the Civic Service and has since officiated at Remembrance Day, Carol Service and the Annual Town Meeting. THE MAYOR wished him and his family all the best for the future.

THE MAYOR offered his congratulations to Cllrs Cohen and Hyams on their appointments and wished them all the best for the forthcoming year.

THE MAYOR stated he had used a gavel at most meetings, which had been borrowed. He went on to present an engraved gavel to the Town Council.

THE MAYOR also presented a book prepared by Ex Mayor Tony Sursham, which he had presented to the Town Council to celebrate 25 years since GMC declared UDI from Huntingdon.

07/031 INAUGURATION OF THE TOWN MAYOR FOR 2007/2008

CLLR MALCOLM COHEN read the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, which he then duly signed in the presence of the Town Clerk.

07/032 INAUGURATION OF THE DEPUTY TOWN MAYOR FOR 2007/2008

CLLR COLIN HYAMS read the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, which he then duly signed in the presence of the Town Clerk.

INCOMING MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE MAYOR made his first duty recognising CLLR BUTCHER as Former Mayor and he was presented with a badge to recognise his role and contribution to the Town.

THE MAYOR hoped all Chairs of Working Parties would continue in their roles but suggested the liaison between Town Council and Police should be discussed. As CLLR MRS HULL was absent, it was AGREED a full discussion on areas of Cllr responsibility would take place at the July meeting.

07/033 MAYORAL PURSE

It was AGREED the Mayoral Purse remain at £1700 per annum. THE MAYOR duly signed a receipt for this amount.

07/034 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the meeting held on 19 April 2007 were APPROVED and signed as a complete and accurate record.

07/035 MATTERS ARISING

Delivery of curtain tracks was delayed and the curtains for the QES are now due to be installed on Friday 25th May.

Work to improve the footway around the entrance to St Mary’s in Chadley Lane is underway.

Installation of the play equipment has begun. A new “Tidy Bear” litter-bin will also be installed in the Coronation Walk play area.

A second No Entry sign has been requested for the junction of West Street with Old Court Hall.

07/036 REVIEW OF FINANCIAL REGULATIONS

CLLR MRS MOORE presented Financial Regulations to the Town Council. These have been amended slightly from those adopted in September 2004 and now include recommendations relating to Petty Cash. It was AGREED to adopt the revised Financial Regulations with immediate effect. They would be reviewed again in 2009.

07/037 CODE OF CONDUCT

Following further information from CPALC it was AGREED that a decision regarding adoption of the new Code of Conduct would be considered at the August meeting.

07/038 APPROVAL OF ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR SUBMISSION TO AUDIT

The Town Clerk presented the completed accounts and audit for consideration. It was AGREED the Town Council have duly considered the possibility of any financial claim being made on them and consider the appropriate insurance is in place. The Town Council formally AGREED 8 statements relating to the Annual Governance Statement and THE MAYOR signed the accounts as being a proper record. The Town Clerk advised Cllrs that the Internal Auditor had not raised any issues for consideration. The audit would be despatched on 31st May 2007.

07/39 CORRESPONDENCE

CLLR HYAMS AGREED to be our liaison for HDC Emergency Planning Awareness meetings.

CLLR MRS LOOKER had attended the second day of the case being heard in the High Court regarding Monks Pitt. We will be advised of the outcome of the case in due course.

CLLR BUTTERWORTH advised that a request had been received from Mr White to reconsider provision of a cycle way along Post Street. The Town Clerk would provide Mr White with a copy of the letter sent to CCC by the Town Council on 21 December 2004 setting out their reasons for not supporting provision of a cycle way on this street.

CLLR BUTTERWORTH advised that the traffic speed survey should have been undertaken and the Town Clerk would request a copy.

CLLR BUTTERWORTH advised we have the opportunity to apply for a Jointly Funded Minor Improvement Bid. Cllrs were asked to put ideas forward for consideration to Cllr Butterworth

CLLR BUTTERWORTH reported growth of elder bushes around the bases of the Lime Trees along the Avenue which should be removed. It was AGREED that our Contractor should be instructed to undertake the work.

CLLR MRS TREHARNE-JONES advised Wicksteed had written regarding an annual safety check of playground equipment. It was confirmed Wicksteed are contracted to undertake quarterly inspections. The Town Clerk would ensure quarterly inspections are resumed.

THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 9.00PM there being no questions, THE MEETING WAS RECONVENED AT 9.01PM

07/040 ACCOUNTS

The accounts set out in Appendix B were APPROVED. A petty cash account for the period ending 17th May 2007 was presented to the Council.

07/041 PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE

CLLR HYAMS advised he was no longer a member of the Development Control Panel and did not need to declare an interest in all planning applications. The applications and correspondence set out in Appendix C were considered. The Town Clerk would advise HDC of the Council’s recommendations.

07/042 DISTRICT/COUNTY COUNCIL REPORTS

CLLR HYAMS advised he had taken on a new role at HDC and would no longer be on the Development Control Panel.

CLLR HYAMS asked that if any Cllr is aware of poor road conditions and potholes in any road in Godmanchester that they let him know as soon as possible.

CLLR HYAMS advised that there are to be changes at the Community Primary School with the addition of 4 new classrooms which will release 4 rooms for community use.

CLLR MRS GODLEY advised that she is having ongoing discussions with CCC and Highways regarding use of the Town Bridge and the advisory weight limit. She will report back to the Town Council with further information as it is received.

07/043 WORKING PARTY (WP) REPORTS: not covered by correspondence

Twinning: CLLR BUTTERWORTH confirmed a musical group from Wertheim would be visiting Godmanchester to perform on Gala Day. Accommodation was required for some of the visitors and if anyone can assist they should contact the Twinning Association. CLLR BROWN would liaise with the Community Association and Twinning Association regarding a press release.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Town Clerk advised one set of Cllr robes was beyond repair and would need to be replaced. Cllrs were asked to confirm the current state and description of their robes so a starting inventory could be produced. The Town Clerk would find a suitable cost effective source for replacement robes.

CLLR MRS TREHARNE-JONES asked that consideration be given to providing further coat hooks in the main hall in the QES. CLLR BUTCHER would follow this up.

CLLR HENNESSY asked for a formal vote of thanks to be noted for CLLR RICHARD BUTCHER for his tireless work as MAYOR in the previous year. This was supported by his fellow Cllrs.

THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON 21 JUNE 2007

The meeting ended at 9.35 pm Mayor

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