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 SEPTEMBER 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, Mrs H HULL, C R HYAMS, Mrs A M LOOKER, Ms D MIDDLETON, C RICHARDSON, M RZYMEK, C VANE PERCY, N WELLS

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

APOLOGIES: None

3 members of the public were present

THE MAYOR introduced Martin Williams, Mace Bearer, to the Town Councillors, as many had not yet met him.

08/78 PRESENTATION FROM ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

THE MAYOR introduced Nic Rowlinson from the Environment Agency and Richard Chubb from Atkins.

CLLR BROWN and CLLR WELLS arrived at 7.35pm
CLLR VANE PERCY arrived at 7.36pm

Mr Rowlinson confirmed that a preferred option had been identified for flood defences in Godmanchester. The EA had engaged in one to one discussions with those residents affected by the proposals and had endeavoured to meet the needs of each individual household. A public exhibition was planned for 31 October in the QES, which would outline the preferred option and would give residents the opportunity for further comment. An outline of the timescale involved an application for planning permission being sought around April 2010 with the work going out to tender later in 2010. The project could then begin around January 2011 and it was anticipated it would take up to 12 months to complete.

Mr Chubb confirmed the route for flood defences would begin at Cooks Stream Bridge, move down The Avenue to Island Hall and that individual flood defences were being discussed per garden. It was proposed the Mill Sluice car park would have low walls with a floodgate also in place. He confirmed that all parties were aware of the constraints in relation to possible celebrations taking place in Godmanchester in 2012. He also confirmed opinions were welcome in relation to the design of a scheme to provide a flood defence along The Causeway. Drawings of possible designs for the area along The Causeway were made available and would form part of the Public Exhibition and it was hoped that residents would make their views known. It was an opportunity to create an open space for the benefit of Godmanchester residents, but this would need careful consideration and design.

It was confirmed that the option of dredging had been considered but it was not thought to be beneficial to flood risk management and would not be followed up.

The Town Council had not yet been consulted about any proposals to provide a defence around the Town Hall building.

All residents are invited to attend the Public Exhibition which will take place in the QES on 31 October from 10am – 3pm and 5pm – 9.30pm.

Mr Rowlinson and Mr Chubb were thanked for attending.

08/79 CO-OPTION OF TOWN COUNCILLOR

THE MAYOR confirmed that two residents had expressed an interest in the vacancy for Town Councillor but Mr Talbot had subsequently withdrawn his application. Mrs Worthington was asked to outline her reasons for applying to be a Town Councillor and following this; she was asked questions by Cllrs. A discussion on her application was deferred until later in the meeting.

08/80 MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

THE MAYOR was delighted to report that Godmanchester had achieved a Silver Award in the recent Anglia in Bloom competition and was also Winner in the Environmental category. Congratulations to everyone involved: this is a fantastic result for our first entry to this competition.

A further reminder that the Civic Service would take place on Sunday 21st September at 11.30am.

THE MAYOR confirmed that the newsletter had once again been expertly put together by CLLR HYAMS and CLLR MIDDLETON and thanks were given to both Cllrs. All Cllrs were asked to distribute their copies at the first opportunity.

THE MAYOR advised that the Town Clerk might require occasional flexibility in her working hours, due to the ill health of a family member. This would not affect output, but possibly her availability on rare occasions.

THE MAYOR advised tickets were available from the Town Office for the informal Wine Tasting evening to be held on 18th October at Judith’s Field. Everyone invited to attend.

THE MAYOR confirmed that a Public Meeting would be held in the QES on Thursday 9th October to discuss ideas for marking 2012: our 800th anniversary of the signing of the Charter, and also to seek ideas on the development of facilities at Judith’s Field. The newsletter would also seek feedback from the residents.

THE MAYOR stated that the Town Clerk would like to study for the Certificate in Local Council Administration, a recognised professional qualification for Town Clerks. The cost of the course is £350 and it was AGREED these costs would be met by the Town Council. A registration fee would also be paid by the Town Council, believed to be £75. It was further AGREED that the Town Clerk be given the necessary hours away from work to undertake the training sessions, currently one day per month, for 5 months.

THE MAYOR confirmed a schedule listing Town Council meetings and Civic Events for 2009 had been prepared. This list was APPROVED and all were asked to note that the April Town Council meeting would be held in the QES and not the Town Hall.

08/81 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the meeting held on 21st August 2008 were APPROVED and signed as a complete and accurate record.

08/82 MATTERS ARISING

CLLR BROWN confirmed discussions regarding an angled flowerbed were continuing with HDC and the Regional College.

The survey report on the state of repair of the Chinese Bridge had been provided but a timescale for necessary works was still awaited. CLLR HYAMS and CLLR DUTTON would continue to hasten this matter.
CLLR BROWN reported work was progressing well to paint the railings along The Avenue, however, a letter had been received from a member of public who had sat on the bench by the War Memorial after the metal work had been painted and paint had transferred to her clothes and subsequently to her car seat. It was AGREED that a sum of £50 would be paid, without prejudice and in full and final settlement of any claim. Town Clerk would write to confirm this.

CLLR BROWN confirmed that the large 2-frame copy of the 1604 charter was nearing completion. Clarification is needed regarding the detail of the translation of this document, which is also lengthy. CLLR BROWN to liaise further with the Friends of the QES.

CLLR RICHARDSON stated that Planning Enforcement at HDC had confirmed they were not taking any further action in the matter of the link between Roman Way and Judith’s Field. CLLR RICHARDSON confirmed that he was not satisfied with this outcome as he held correspondence, which indicated the need for further action. He would pass details to CLLR DUTTON who would take the matter further.

CLLR BROWN passed thanks to the Town Council on behalf of the Godmanchester in Bloom committee for their generous support in the initial year of the Town taking part in Anglia in Bloom. It was hoped that the success achieved would be developed in years ahead.

CLLR MRS LOOKER would seek an independent view of the 3 quotations received from Architects in relation to the project to clean the Town Hall building. Cllrs to be advised by e-mail of progress made.

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

Mr Doherty expressed his view that the problems faced by the Environment Agency in relation to flood defences for the Town were directly as a result of the privatisation of the water authorities. He outlined his knowledge and personal experience of flooding issues affecting Godmanchester over many years and confirmed he had put these comments in writing to the Environment Agency. He was asked whether he would be able to provide a copy of these comments for the Town Council, which he agreed to do.

Mr Kynoch also referred to the presentation by the Environment Agency with particular concern about the proposed floodgate to be sited at the Mill Yard car park. This would be managed by the Environment Agency but no reference to access for Emergency Services had been made. Mr Kynoch also expressed his views on the quantity of water being driven through the sluice and his opinion that the path should be raised to allow water to flow down the steps, as it had done previously.

Both gentlemen were urged to make all points again to the Environment Agency at the public exhibition and if forwarded to the Town Council they would be forwarded.

The meeting re-convened at 9.25pm

CLLR MRS DUTTON, CLLR DUTTON AND CLLR CANT left at 9.26pm, along with 2 members of the public

08/83 CORRESPONDENCE - see Appendix A

CLLR MRS HULL advised that HDC had sent a report following discussions with schools and young people where they had had the opportunity to raise their concerns about their communities. CLLR BUTCHER had also been passed a copy of the report as Environment issues had been mentioned.

CLLR MRS LOOKER reported that the Inter Town Forum would look into the possibility of a better deal on insurance cover if negotiated collectively.

CLLR RICHARDSON advised the NHS were seeking views on a constitution consultation. Web site details to be provided to all Cllrs.

08/84 ACCOUNTS

The accounts set out in Appendix B were APPROVED. A petty cash account for the period ending 18th September 2008 was presented to the Council.

The Town Clerk confirmed that the new bank mandate was now in place and all Cllrs were authorised as signatories for the account.

CLLR RZYMEK confirmed that the Annual Audit had been passed by Moore Stephens without comment and that a notice was being displayed to advertise the closure of the audit. The Town Clerk was thanked for her excellent work in preparing the end of year accounts.

CLLR RZYMEK confirmed a Finance Working Party would be arranged shortly. All Chairs of Working Parties would need to consider their requirements for the following year so that the budget could be prepared. Town Clerk to advise of date.

08/85 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 MIDDLETON and THE MAYOR had attended an exhibition regarding the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mineral Waste plan. CLLR MIDDLETON would prepare notes to be passed to CLLR WELLS so a response from the Town Council could be drafted.

CLLR VANE PERCY left at 10.06pm

08/86 DISTRICT/COUNTY COUNCIL REPORTS

Nothing to report.

08/87 WORKING PARTY (WP) REPORTS: not covered by correspondence

CLLR BUTCHER advised the Grounds Maintenance contract, currently held by Fergusons, was due to go out to tender in October and would be awarded for the period April 2009 – March 2012. CLLR BUTCHER had discussed the matter at the recent working party and also with the present contractor, who had agreed to hold current prices for a further year. It was therefore proposed that the current contract be extended by one year to end at the end of March 2010 in order to avoid a possible change of contractor in our celebration year of 2012. It was AGREED that the contract be extended for one year only and that tenders would be invited from companies in October 2009 with the successful bid to be effective from April 2010. Town Clerk to confirm with Fergusons.

CLLR BUTCHER advised that HDC had recommended we undertake a thorough tree survey of all trees on the Recreation Ground with a view to programming follow up surveys and also work identified through the survey. CLLR BUTCHER would meet with a recommended tree specialist in the first instance to establish an idea of cost for the survey.

CLLR BUTCHER reported that quotes would be obtained regarding possible roof repairs at the QES and also repair work to the floor in the QES.

CLLR BUTCHER reported that residents had requested a bus shelter for the stop in Old Court Hall opposite the doctor’s surgery. CLLR HYAMS would liaise with Town Clerk regarding information on this matter.

CLLR MS MIDDLETON suggested that publication of newsletters should be planned in advance on a quarterly basis. Town Clerk to suggest 4 dates for optimum timing. CLLR MS MIDDLETON also confirmed that a local print service wished to quote for the job of printing the newsletter. Details to be forwarded to the Town Clerk.

The member of public was asked to leave so that the application from Mrs Worthington could be discussed. The Town Council voted unanimously to co-opt Mrs Worthington and the Town Clerk would invite her to join the Town Council from 16th October 2008.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Town Clerk advised the hearing aid loop was due to be installed in the Town Hall on 25th September.

THE MAYOR reminded Cllrs to advise the Town Clerk of any topics they would like discussed at future meetings.

THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON 16 OCTOBER 2008

The meeting ended at 10.32pm Mayor

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