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 16 MARCH 2006

PRESENT: H R BUTCHER Town Mayor, M COHEN Deputy Town Mayor,
Councillors: D BROWN, W D BUTTERWORTH, C R HYAMS, E KYNOCH, Mrs A M LOOKER, Mrs B MOORE, Mrs E TREHARNE-JONES,
Town Clerk: Mrs M LIDDIARD
Mace Bearer: M Williams

APOLOGIES: Cllrs J COXHEAD, Mrs C A GODLEY, A GOFF, Mrs H HULL,
ABSENT: Cllr C VANE PERCY

There were no members of the public present.

TOWN MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS.

The MAYOR advised that he had represented the Town on 10 occasions since the last meeting.

The MAYOR reported that the Mayoral chain and Mace had been revalued.

The MAYOR reminded all Chairs of Working Parties, that their reports would be required for the Town Meeting to take place on 4th April.

The MAYOR advised that there had not been any nominations made for the role of Mayor. All Councillors were asked to give the matter their full consideration.

The MAYOR reported that to date, there had not been any applications to fill the vacancy on the Town Council.

The MAYOR expressed his disappointment at the poor turn out for the recent Planning Working Party Meeting. Two Councillors had attended but the Chair was not in attendance. Consequently, planning papers were not available and would need to be discussed at the full Council meeting.

06/015 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2006 were APPROVED and signed as a complete and accurate record.

06/016 MATTERS ARISING.

The Outstanding Actions List, dated 23 February 2006 was reviewed.

The Town Clerk had been advised that Roman Way would not become an adopted road for at least a year. If overnight parking proved a regular problem or nuisance this matter would be re-considered but meanwhile it was AGREED to monitor the situation.

The Town Clerk had discussed the provision of the master-blaster bell with Thistle Security. There was no problem placing the bell either inside or outside the building. It was AGREED that in order to improve security, a master-blaster bell would be placed both inside and outside. The additional cost of £183.43 would be covered by the previously APPROVED sum of £1500.

Following receipt of the valuation for the Town Hall, QES and Judith’s Field from Gaskell Associates the Town Clerk would discuss insurance requirements with Zurich Insurance. The Senior Citizens Club had also enquired as to whether there was a possibility of combining their insurance cover with ours. Town Clerk would liaise with Zurich and Senior Citizens Club.

06/017 CORRESPONDENCE.

The correspondence listed at Appendix A, not covered by the WP reports, was addressed.

Cellini had produced a detailed report and valuation for the Mayoral Chain and Mace. Town Clerk would advise Zurich of the revised values when discussing all insurance matters.

The response from CCC regarding the Stopping Up Order was discussed. It raised further questions and Town Clerk would write to CCC to obtain further information.

Mr Green, Riverside Rangers FC had written to advise that the Club had made it to the Final to be played on Sunday 9th April. Details were passed to Cllr COHEN who hopes to attend.

Campbell Rees Partnership have written to supply an invoice for the work carried out to date regarding disabled access to the Town Hall. They advised a number of issues needed to be resolved such as the ownership of the area involved, the effect on the public footpath and flood plain issues. It was AGREED that the Town Clerk would undertake these enquiries and that the Town Clerk would write to Campbell Rees asking them to postpone production of drawings and specifications until these details could be provided.

Godmanchester Town Cricket Club had written requesting a Section 137 Grant in the sum of £500 to support an activity on 8/9 April as part of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s “Cricketforce” initiative. This was APPROVED although Town Clerk would write advising the Grant was being made as an exception and in future applications would only be considered at the appointed times of June and December.

06/018 ACCOUNTS.

The accounts set out in Appendix B were APPROVED.

06/019 PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE.

The applications and correspondence set out in Appendix C were considered. Cllr Mrs LOOKER declared an interest in application 0600634FUL. Cllr Mrs LOOKER abstained from a vote on application 0600701OUT as she knew the applicants. Cllr HYAMS declared an interest in all planning matters. The Town Clerk would advise HDC of the Council’s recommendations. Thanks to Cllr BROWN for chairing this discussion at short notice.

The meeting was adjourned at 9.00pm to receive questions from the public.

The Town Council were asked when the community swimming pool would re-open. Cllr HYAMS advised due to heating problems, it would not be opened in the foreseeable future.

9.02pm The meeting re-convened.

06/020 DISTRICT/COUNTY COUNCIL REPORTS.

Cllr HYAMS had been approached by a resident who had received a fine for parking in what she believed was a free car park at Godmanchester Depot. Signs placed towards the rear of the car park are contrary to those at the entrance and HDC therefore withdrew the demand to meet the fine. They will ensure all signage is clear and unambiguous.

Cllr HYAMS advised that HDC were revising core policies. Any changes or alterations would be advised appropriately.

Cllr HYAMS reported that following several reports of poor drainage in Kisby Avenue, CCC was spending a substantial sum to provide proper drains.

Cllr HYAMS reported that Highways would be conducting a public enquiry on the A14 to take place in 2008 although they were trying to bring this date forward. Work was scheduled to begin in 2009. Cllr HYAMS would continue to keep the Town Council informed of any developments.

06/021 WORKING PARTY (WP) REPORTS.

Cemetery. Nothing to report at this time.

Environment. The MAYOR reported that the Rights of Way Improvement Plan was available in the Town Office should anyone wish to read it.

A letter had been received from a resident regarding removal of the seats along The Avenue. The Town Clerk had replied, stating that they had been replaced mainly for health and safety reasons.

The MAYOR advised that Carillion-URS had written to advise they were proposing a 40mph speed limit at the Brampton Hut Interchange.

Finance. The WP had considered the annual review of charges and the following matters were considered and APPROVED:
Fees for general hire at Judith’s Field to remain unchanged
Fees for Jack and Jill Nursery to increase to £4 per hour
Hire of Small Hall at QES to increase to £5 per hour Monday to Friday and £6.00 per hour for Saturday and Sunday.
Hire of Large Hall at QES to increase to £7.50 per hour Monday to Friday and £8.00 per hour for Saturday and Sunday.

It was felt necessary to increase costs to meet the rises we could anticipate following the rise in gas and electricity charges.

A moderate increase in charges made for the Cemetery was APPROVED. There had not been an increase in the previous year.

The contribution made to the Senior Citizens Club for the Town Office’s share of the utilities was considered and it was AGREED that the amount would increase to £100 per quarter with effect from 1st April 2006.

QES Caretakers work pattern was discussed. Mr Popplewell has requested he cut down his hours and it was AGREED that the Town Clerk would liaise with both Caretakers to obtain an acceptable work pattern.

The Town Clerk had requested provision of a small petty cash float and it was AGREED that this could be set up in the sum of £50.

The Town Clerk’s Assistant has completed his probationary period and it was AGREED that his appointment should be confirmed. The Town Clerk will confirm his hours and rate of pay in writing.

Expenditure on internet calls has been calculated as approximately £30 per month. It was AGREED that it would be advisable to sign up for Broadband. Town Clerk would investigate and ensure good firewall protection is included.

As the cooker in the QES does not work, it was decided it should be replaced and it was AGREED that a small fridge should also be provided. Expenditure up to £500 to include fitting for these items was APPROVED. Town Clerk would also obtain costs for having two radiators in ladies and gents toilets replaced and having toilets decorated.

Flood Defences. There had been no meeting of the WP, but it was reported that another survey is being undertaken by the Flood Defence Agency.

Health & Safety. Nothing to report.

Property/Judith’s Field. Cllr BROWN reported further damage to the soffit and underlying joists. Town Clerk to contact Ashley & Foster to hasten repair.

There are still problems with access from Lavender Grove to Judith’s Field. Town Clerk would contact HDC requesting the developer complete the access in accordance with the original planning consent. HDC also to provide clarification regarding ownership and maintenance of the ditch.

Other Representative Groups/Twinning/ Youth Initiative.
Cllr Mrs LOOKER reported that the meeting, organised by the Police, for under 18s, concluded that the youth needed somewhere to meet. The Town Council had already offered Judith’s Field as a venue.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
The Tourist Information Centre in Huntingdon had received several complaints regarding the planned closure of the bureau. If any individuals would like to make their views known, an address to write to is available in the Town Office.

THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON 20 APRIL 2006 AND WILL BE GOWNED.

The meeting ended at 10.20 pm Mayor

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