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 20 SEPTEMBER 2007

PRESENT: M COHEN Town Mayor, C R HYAMS Deputy Town Mayor
Councillors: H R BUTCHER , W D BUTTERWORTH, Mrs C A GODLEY, A GOFF, Mrs H HULL, E KYNOCH,

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

APOLOGIES: Cllrs D BROWN, B HENNESSY, Mrs A M LOOKER, Mrs E TREHARNE-JONES, C VANE PERCY, G WILSON

1 member of the public was present

CO-OPTION OF TOWN COUNCILLOR TO CASUAL VACANCY

Mrs Susan Worthington and Dr Simon Prince had both expressed an interest in becoming a Town Councillor. Both addressed the Town Council outlining their reasons for applying, their experience and interests. Following brief questions from members of the Council, the applicants were asked to leave. The member of public was asked to withdraw and the merits of both candidates was discussed. It was AGREED that Dr Simon Prince would be invited to join Godmanchester Town Council. The Town Clerk would advise Mrs Worthington that although unsuccessful on this occasion, as all members of the Council would stand for re-election in May, her application at that time would be most welcome.

MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Mayor had represented the town on 6 occasions since the last meeting. The Deputy Mayor had represented the town on 1 occasion.

THE MAYOR thanked all Cllrs who had attended the Civic Service held on 16th September. Town Clerk’s note: The collection taken at St Mary’s was due to be split between the church and the Mayor’s chosen charity: East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, we have since been advised that the church would like the full collection to be donated to the charity.

Keith Walters, Caretaker for the QES will be on holiday for a month. The former caretaker for Judith’s Field, Linda Carter, has agreed to cover this holiday period.

The schedule of meetings and Civic Events for 2008 was presented to the meeting and all dates were AGREED.

THE MAYOR reminded everyone that the Twinning Youthfest would take place during the week commencing 24th September.

07/063 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the meeting held on 16 August 2007 were APPROVED and signed as a complete and accurate record.

07/064 MATTERS ARISING

Town Clerk confirmed a representative for NHS Mental Health Division would attend to address the Council at the October meeting.

The cost of an additional fire proof document safe for the Town Office in the sum £270 was APPROVED.

A Training session on the New Model Code of Conduct had been arranged for all Cllrs to take place on 11th October. Town Clerk would confirm by e-mail.

The latest edition of the Town Council newsletter was approved, subject to minor alterations. Costs for printing in the sum of £205.26 for 3000 copies £68.42 for 1000 run-on were APPROVED. CLLR HYAMS would liaise with the printer and have all copies delivered to the Town Office. A deadline for delivery would be determined subject to receipt of the newsletters.

Town Clerk reported the meter at Judith’s Field was switched off and did not seem to be feeding anything. A request has been made to EDF to have the meter disconnected and removed. Meanwhile, Town Clerk would have the meter cupboard boarded up as the feed to the meter itself was live.

One set of railings to protect Judith’s Field building had been installed. The second set was awaited.

CLLR HYAMS, CLLR BUTTERWORTH and the Town Clerk had interviewed candidates for the position of Caretaker for Judith’s Field. Mr Nigel Hewson had been offered the position and the Town Council were asked to ratify the appointment. It was AGREED to appoint Mr Hewson on a six month probationary period.

The costs for the lighting in Chadley Lane have increased by £1,000. Town Clerk would endeavour to get CCC to meet this extra cost but in the meantime it was AGREED that if necessary, the Town Council would increase their contribution to the project to £9000. Town Clerk’s Note: CCC have agreed to absorb the additional costs with no further expense to Godmanchester Town Council.

CLLR GOFF advised that the final paperwork was due to go through ACRE and Rural Action East. The preferred supplier had put the price of the skate-ramps up by 13% but CLLR GOFF explained that their original quote had been over a year ago and in the meantime there had been a sharp rise in the cost of steel. It was AGREED to increase the Town Council’s contribution to £25800 but CLLR GOFF would ensure this new price would be held for the next 12 months.

CLLR MRS HULL reported further information obtained on the c-card scheme. This was an initiative from the PCT not the Youth Service and Judith’s Field would be a pick up point for young people already registered. CLLR MRS HULL confirmed the registration process was only undertaken by certain members of the Youth Service and young people attending Judith’s Field would have to show identity. It was AGREED that Judith’s Field could be used as a pick up point for the c-card scheme on the day appointed for Youth Club (currently Tuesday).

07/065 CORRESPONDENCE (see Appendix A)

THE MAYOR advised Mr Green had written to confirm full details of how grant money was spent and copies of accounts would be available when GM Rovers applied for future S137 Grants.

Following a request from Godmanchester Community Association it was AGREED that the Town Council would, in principle, support a request for a grant for Picnic in the Park 2008. THE MAYOR also confirmed he would be available to judge the guy competition held by both schools on 5th November.

The Town Clerk asked that approval be given for all portable electrical appliances to be tested on an annual basis. The cost would be £1.20 per item. Wiring would also require testing but this could be reviewed every 3-5 years. All costs related to this Health & Safety matter were APPROVED.

CLLR BUTTERWORTH advised CCC had responded to the residents regarding their complaint about parking in Linden Grove. The PCSO’s had also attended and would carry out routine checks from time to time.

Mr White had written again regarding the possibility of a cycle path on Post Street. Town Clerk would acknowledge and advise that without new evidence, no further action would be taken.

The Town Clerk would make contact with the site manager for the development on London Road to ensure that ditches were kept clear and also in order to have a contact number so that the site could observe our requests for quiet when a funeral was taking place at London Road Cemetery.

THE MAYOR commented that the build up of silt etc at the Town Bridge was quite alarming and should be attended to as a matter of urgency. CLLR MRS HULL also reported the same problem with Cooks Bridge and it was AGREED the Town Clerk would request urgent action from the Environment Agency as it was felt since the flood alleviation scheme had been deferred such a build up of silt increased Godmanchester’s risk of flooding.

CLLR MRS HULL advised Young Lives had set up a training programme. She would liaise with Youth Services to find out more.

CLLR HYAMS reported the application for the erection of an agricultural dwelling, West Berry Farm, Berry Lane had been discussed at Development Control Panel despite the request by the applicant that the matter be withdrawn. The applicant was advised that policy stated he had to reside in a caravan for 3 years before the application for a permanent dwelling could be considered.

CLLR WILSON will draft a response for all Cllrs to consider on the latest proposals for Local Development Framework. He will object to all proposals which include large housing developments for Godmanchester.

THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 9.01PM

The Council were asked whether the footpath from Bluegate to the Cemetery should have been closed off during the commencement of works on the site on London Road and when it would be re-opened. The member of public was advised it is not a right of way but a permissive path. The contractor had closed off the path in order to protect members of the public and it would be open again following cessation of works which could be up to 2 years away. It was confirmed that the path would be 10 feet wide and would be left as a wildlife corridor.

THE MEETING WAS RE-CONVENED AT 9.05PM

CLLR BUTTERWORTH confirmed the Poplar trees at Judith’s Field would be removed and funded by Mothercare Pension Fund. The heave indemnity would be re-instated and the contractor would advise the Town Council prior to any work starting so that checks could be made on weight limits for plant and also to ensure the car park was clear of all vehicles.

2nd Godmanchester Brownies had requested permission and a suitable site for planting of small trees and it was AGREED that following removal of the Poplar trees, the grassed area to the left side of the car park at Judith’s Field would be an ideal site. CLLR BUTTERWORTH would liaise as necessary with the Unit Leader. Town Clerk would confirm Town Council’s agreement.

07/066 ACCOUNTS

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.

07/067 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

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

07/068 DISTRICT/COUNTY COUNCIL REPORTS

CLLR MRS GODLEY reported that following concern regarding HGVs travelling over the Town Bridge, that a sign would be erected to indicate the weight limit and the fact that it was a weak bridge. If any Cllr notices any vehicles over 7.5T taking the route over the bridge please note the vehicle registration, date and time and if possible the name of the company and report the incident via the phone number to be issued by the Town Clerk.

CLLR HYAMS advised that the HDC Depot staff move to their new premises in Latham Road from 24th September. Work on the pedestrian crossing is due to start early in 2008.

A resident had complained that the contractors were working throughout Saturday and Sunday to clear the site for development of the foodstore in Cambridge Road. Town Clerk would write to the Planning Department to confirm an enforcement order was now in place regarding suitable working hours for contractors on this site.

CLLR HYAMS reported he would be attending a meeting to discuss Emergency Planning. The Town Clerk would also attend and it was AGREED that overtime would be paid for the extra hours.

07/069 WORKING PARTY (WP) REPORTS: not covered by correspondence

CLLR BUTCHER stated two new life-belts were needed on the Recreation Ground. The cost of replacement and installation was £850. This was APPROVED.

CLLR GOFF LEFT AT 9.44PM

Twinning: THE MAYOR presented a programme of events for the Youthfest taking place during the week ahead. All were encouraged to attend where possible.

CLLR MRS GODLEY LEFT AT 9.48PM

Cemetery: THE MAYOR confirmed 10-15 graves needed to be turfed. Town Clerk would advise Fergusons.

Youth: CLLR MRS HULL confirmed the Youth Club sessions would start again from week commencing 24th September although if numbers were low the Youth Leaders would undertake detached work until after half term. They were grateful for the flexibility of the Caretaking staff.

CLLR MRS HULL LEFT AT 9.54PM

MISCELLANEOUS

THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON 18 OCTOBER 2007

The meeting ended at 10.00pm Mayor

Back to Town Council Page