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 OCTOBER 2007

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

Town Clerk: Mrs M LIDDIARD

APOLOGIES: Cllrs: G WILSON

3 members of public were in attendance

07/070 DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE: DR SIMON PRINCE

Dr Simon Prince read his Declaration of Acceptance of Office and duly signed the same in the presence of the Town Clerk. The Mayor welcomed him to the Town Council.

PRESENTATION BY ELIZABETH MITCHELL: NHS MENTAL HEALTH

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust are aiming to become a Foundation Trust by 2008 and as such would be able to develop services to suit the needs of our local community. Statistics show that 1 in 4 people will experience some form of mental health problems. More treatment takes place through primary care, and this division is the most community based service of the NHS. Cllrs and residents are invited to join the membership scheme and leaflets will be available through the Town Office. THE MAYOR thanked Mrs Mitchell for attending and for providing useful information to the Town Council.

Cllr Mrs Looker arrived at 7.32pm
Cllr Mrs Hull arrived at 7.36pm

MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE MAYOR had represented the town on 8 occasions since the last meeting.

THE MAYOR reported the Youthfest had been well attended by the 3 twinned towns and all had had an enjoyable time. THE DEPUTY MAYOR had also attended part of the Youthfest.

THE MAYOR and Mace Bearer had attended a ceremony for the rededication of the Wisbech Mace. There was a fine display of maces from various parishes and THE MAYOR was pleased to report Godmanchester’s was the oldest!

THE MAYOR reminded Cllrs of the Charity Quiz Night and asked for their support. Town Clerk’s Note: The Quiz Night was subsequently cancelled due to low response.

THE MAYOR advised that the Christmas Carol Service would be held on School Hill on Wednesday 5th December. CLLR KYNOCH was asked to purchase the usual sweets which he AGREED to do.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO ADDRESS THE TOWN COUNCIL

Mr Paul Burbridge spoke about the possible relocation of the Woodlands Cancer Centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. Mr Burbridge is very concerned that reports have appeared in local papers suggesting the unit may be relocated to the new Treatment Centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. Money to build the Woodlands Centre was raised through fund raising from local residents and patients. Mr Burbridge, feels the atmosphere and care offered in the Woodlands Centre is unique and the haven this unit provides is an asset to all those that have cancer and their relatives. He does not believe the location of the Treatment Centre will provide the same caring atmosphere currently received in the Woodlands Centre and he has asked the Town Council to support retention of the Unit in the main hospital.

Mr Murray spoke about a track from Cambridge Road to Almond Close and stated he is opposed to the route being made a formal public footpath.

Mr Murray also raised concerns about the Co-Op Foodstore development on Cambridge Road. He has raised several queries with HDC and the Co-Op which as yet have not been answered.

Both members of the public were thanked for bringing these matters to the attention of the Town Council.

07/071 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20 September 2007 were APPROVED and signed as a complete and accurate record.

07/072 MATTERS ARISING

Town Clerk confirmed all portable appliances in Judith’s Field, Queen Elizabeth School and the Town Office will be checked along with all wiring. Work to be carried out during week commencing 22 October.

Work to remove trees at Judith’s Field will be carried out over 23rd – 25th October. The car park will be closed for the duration of the works.

Town Clerk will obtain quotations for repairs to railings along The Avenue and also contact Godmanchester Freemen to advise them of the hazards.

Town Clerk advised that a roofing contractor had been approached regarding replacing the wooden cladding at the gable ends of the Judith’s Field building with UVPC cladding. This was not recommended as this type of cladding tends to become brittle and would therefore not offer additional strength and protection to the building.

Town Clerk is pursuing matters regarding the meter cupboard and isolation switch at Judith’s Field.

CLLR KYNOCH advised issues surrounding Standing Orders are more complicated than originally anticipated. He will report back at the next Town Council meeting.

The Environment Agency have provided additional information regarding Wheelchair Friendly Angling Platforms. A copy will be provided for all Cllrs and a decision made at the next Town Council meeting.

CLLR GOFF advised the panel meet in December when our bid for a Biffaward will be considered in respect of the proposed skatepark ramps.

07/073 CORRESPONDENCE (see Appendix A also)

Lady Vane Percy had written regarding the building works undertaken by the Environment Agency at the Mill Sluice which she considered were out of keeping with the conservation area. Town Clerk would reply to Lady Vane Percy and also write to the Environment Agency and Conservation Officer.

CLLR BUTCHER advised we have received a quotation for roofing works to the QES in the sum of £11,287.25. It was AGREED the Town Clerk would write to the architect responsible for refurbishment some 20 years ago for his opinion as to whether such works were necessary. The Town Clerk would also obtain further quotations in respect of the roof and possible repair work needed to the floor which had been damaged over a period of time due to the water getting into the building. CLLR VANE PERCY expressed his opinion that the refurbishment of the car park over 10 years ago was a major concern as he believed the block paving had been laid over existing tarmac thereby preventing heavy rainfall any route to run off once it had seeped through the brick paving. Town Clerk would make enquiries through HDC.

Town Clerk would ensure yellow and black marking tape was placed on floors in QES where the floor boards had risen slightly.

CLLR BUTTERWORTH would circulate details of a web site in respect of DEFRA’s report on Ways to Tackle Climate Change.

CLLR MRS TREHARNE-JONES reported Wicksteed had followed up their recent inspection report enquiring whether we required any works to be carried out. CLLR MRS TREHARNE-JONES advised nothing required immediate attention.

07/074 ACCOUNTS

Cllr Vane Percy left at 9.25pm

THE MAYOR advised that we needed a Cllr to take over the Chair for the Finance Working Party. CLLR WILSON had stated his willingness to take this role if another Cllr would assume responsibility for the Planning Working Party. CLLR PRINCE AGREED to Chair the Planning Working Party and was assured of help and support from fellow Cllrs. Town Clerk would advise CLLR WILSON that his offer had been accepted and he was duly appointed to Chair the Finance Working Party. A Finance Working Party meeting would be needed before the next Town Council meeting and Town Clerk would liaise with CLLR WILSON to organise.

The accounts set out in Appendix B were APPROVED. A petty cash account for the period ending 20th September 2007 was presented to the Council. A quarterly bank reconciliation for the period to 30 September was presented to the Council.

07/075 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 Mrs Godley left at 9.45pm

07/076 DISTRICT/COUNTY COUNCIL REPORTS

07/077 WORKING PARTY (WP) REPORTS: not covered by correspondence

MISCELLANEOUS

THE MAYOR reminded all Cllrs that Remembrance Day would be marked on Sunday 11th November. All Cllrs were asked to attend both the morning service held at the War Memorial and the evening service to be held in St Mary’s Parish Church.

Town Clerk was advised of various street lights not working. These would be reported.

THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON 15 NOVEMBER 2007

The meeting ended at 10.27pm Mayor

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