DOWNHAM
MARKET TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES OF
MEETING HELD TUESDAY, 13TH OCTOBER 2009 AT 7.30PM
Present:
The Mayor
Cllr
J W Doyle
The Deputy Mayor Cllr
J K Fox
Councillors
S W
Blyth
H M
Cross
F E
Daymond
S F
Geary
R
Leach
Mrs
K Mellish
Mrs
S M Nunn
C
Pyatt
J J
Reed
C T
Sampson
D
J Sharman
A D Stacey
Mrs
V F Starling
S C
Teverson
W A
Wallace
Norfolk County Councillor
Mrs S E L Hutson
Borough Councillor
J R Legg
Town Clerk
Mrs J M Markwell
Administrator
Mrs K J Martin
Members of Public
5
The Mayor, Cllr Doyle, notified
those present of the emergency evacuation procedure from the Town Council
offices.
The Mayor, Cllr Doyle,
announced that Cllr Freeman had resigned from the Council on Friday, 9th
October 2009. The Mayor, Cllr Doyle, thanked him for all his hard work and
contribution to the Council.
1582.
To receive Members’
Apologies for Absence
Apologies had been received
from Cllr S J Collins (work commitment), Cllr J Groom (illness) and Cllr A M
Lovett (BCKL&WN).
The apologies were accepted.
1583.
To receive Members’ Declarations
of Interest
The
Mayor, Cllr Doyle, and Cllr Mrs Nunn declared a pecuniary interest in Item 1589,
To Approve the Payment of Bills.
Adjourn
meeting for public participation and reports
The Mayor, Cllr
Doyle, adjourned the meeting.
Police
A
member of Norfolk Constabulary was not present at the meeting.
County
Councillor
Cllr
Mrs Hutson had not yet arrived at the meeting.
Borough
Councillors
Cllr
Mrs Mellish informed members that the planters adjacent to the toilets on the
Town Hall Car Park had been removed due to vandalism but would be replaced when
the nursery had the appropriate stock available.
Public Participation
Ms Rachel Bodle, Downham by Design, reported that
the group had held a meeting regarding allotments, as Downham Market desperately
needed accessible allotments.
The group established that the Town Council had a
legal duty to provide allotments for its parishioners and where sufficient
allotments did not already exist, there were options the Town Council could
proceed with:
1.
The planning system – when an application is received the developer
could be approached asking that they provide sufficient allotments for the
dwellings proposed.
2.
The Local Development Framework – the Town Council could suggest that a
specific standard be included within the document.
Ms Bodle confirmed that the Town Council had the
power under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 to purchase land in and
around the parish of Downham Market. Ms
Bodle felt that at the last Full Council meeting Councillors had implied that
the Town Council did not want to upset land owners.
The Mayor, Cllr Doyle, thanked Ms Bodle for her
report and wished to clarify that in no way had it been implied that the Town
Council did not want to upset land owners. It
was said that there are were very few Councils in the Country who used their
legal powers because it was thought that land owners would fight to the High
Court, if the Council was to take this action, and this would be costly to the
ratepayer.
The
Mayor, Cllr Doyle, resumed the meeting.
1584.
To approve the Minutes
The
minutes of the Town Council meetings held on Tuesday, 15th September
2009 (pages 2894-2901) and Wednesday, 23rd September 2009 (pages
2912-2914) were approved and signed as a true and accurate record.
The Clerk noted that minor amendments had been circulated to all members
and asked that the minutes be amended accordingly.
Cllr Mrs Hutson arrived at 7.38pm.
1585.
To receive correspondence
A
list of correspondence had been circulated (Appendix 1).
There
were no questions.
1586.
To receive Councillors
questions
Q: Are
Councillors aware that the Gray family have applied to the BCKL&WN to place
a funfair on The Howdale in November 2009, which hopefully will not coincide
with the other large events taking place in the Town Centre? (RL).
A: This
was noted.
Q:
Approximately three months ago a question was asked regarding the Projects
Officer’s cost effectiveness, how much he was paid overall and how much grant
money he had secured. Could the Clerk investigate this? (JJR).
A: Yes.
Q:
Complaints are still being received regarding the bus stop in Bridge Street,
particularly from the Surgery when doctors have, on occasion, been unable to
access Bridge Street due to vehicle tailbacks. What is the current position with
this now? (JJR).
A: The
bus stop will remain where it is. However,
NCC is in the process of amending traffic orders so that the area outside
Barclays Bank will be kept clear for cars to pass.
Cllr
Mrs Hutson advised that this had been ongoing for a long time and would
investigate the current situation.
Cllr
Mrs Hutson also reported that a complaint letter, regarding Ozzy’s Kebab Van,
had been sent to both NCC and the BCKL&WN. The
golden gravel surface was being damaged by the van and hot fat spillage had
damaged the yellow lines. NCC
Highways confirmed that they would clean the area and repaint the yellow lines.
Cllr Mrs Mellish
would inform the BCKL&WN Environmental Health Department.
1587.
To Adopt the Standing Committee Minutes
Planning and Environmental
Committee
Proposed
– Cllr Reed Seconded
– Cllr Geary
‘That
the minutes of the Planning and Environmental Committee meetings of Tuesday, 18th
August 2009 (pages 2882-2888), Wednesday, 2nd September 2009 (pages
2889-2893) and Wednesday, 23rd September 2009 (pages 2915-2918) be
adopted.’
All
in favour
Development Committee
Proposed
– Cllr Mrs Starling Seconded
– Cllr Mrs Nunn
‘That
the minutes of the Development Committee meeting of Tuesday, 22nd
September 2009 (pages 2906-2911) be adopted.’
For
– 15 Against –
0 Abstentions – 1
Car Parks and Highways
Committee
In light of the
information received following the Car Parks and Highways Committee meeting on
21st July 2009 the Full Council is asked to ratify the decision
taken, paragraph 742 at the bottom of page 2862, ‘That
this Committee agrees to give Tim Landles authorisation to act on the Town
Council behalf on the leases and agreements with Morrisons’.
Proposed
– Cllr Blyth Seconded
– Cllr Sharman
‘That
the minutes of the Car Parks and Highways Committee meetings of Tuesday, 21st
July 2009 (pages 2859-2865) and Wednesday, 16th September 2009 (pages
2902-2905) be adopted with the amended proposition.’
For
– 15 Against –
1 Abstentions – 0
Finance and General Purposes
Committee
Proposed
– Cllr Teverson Seconded
– Cllr Geary
‘That
the minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting of Tuesday, 4th
August, 2009 (pages 2877-2881) be adopted.’
All
in favour
1588.
To receive the Clerk’s Report
The
Clerk had not circulated a report for this meeting.
The Clerk confirmed that she had contacted Anglia IT regarding individual
Councillor email addresses, and they had confirmed that this would be possible. This item would be discussed at the next Full Council
meeting.
1589.
To approve the Payment of Bills
A
list of bills had been circulated (Appendix 2).
The Mayor, Cllr Doyle, and Cllr Mrs Nunn had
declared a pecuniary interest in this item.
Proposed – Cllr Stacey
Seconded – Cllr Sampson
‘That
the bills be paid as per the attached list.’
For – 14 Against
– 0 Abstentions
– 2 (Declared Interests)
1590.
To receive reports from the Working Parties
i.
Local
Development Framework –
There was nothing to report to this meeting.
ii.
Old
Fire Station Site – Heritage Centre – A report had been circulated (Appendix 3). Cllr Fox reported that the Heritage Society had now changed
their Solicitor and in view of this no recommendation could be made at this
meeting. Cllr Fox and the Clerk
would be meeting with the Council’s Solicitor next week.
1591.
Report from the Youth Council
Cllr Teverson reported that the
following had been discussed at the recent Youth Council meeting:
-
A competition was being held within the school to design a logo for the
Youth Council.
-
The Youth Council had asked if they could join Councillors at their
Surgeries, to help promote the Youth Council.
-
Youth Councillors would be speaking in assemblies at school and a social
networking site was being investigated to provide and receive publicity.
-
The Youth Council agreed to part-fund ‘Party in the Park’.
-
At future meetings they were hoping to invite guests who would include
the Events Coordinator, police, representatives from the Chamber of Trade and
the press.
-
A Radio Shelter was being investigated
-
Youth Councillors expressed interest for involvement with the ATC Hut;
Youth Councillors were invited to liaise with the Town Council Working Party.
The minutes from the Youth
Council meetings would be circulated to Councillors.
Cllr Fox wished to note that the
Youth Council did not have its own structure and would need to be incorporated
in the Town Councils insurance.
1592.
Report from Cllr S C Teverson – Norfolk ALC and NALC
Cllr
Teverson informed Members of the following events:
Norfolk
Rural Community Councils – Charities and Parish Councils (£20.00 per person),
28th October 2009.
Norfolk
ALC – Gypsy and Travellers Conference, 4th November 2009.
The
Larger Councils meeting was held three times a year; the previous one took place
in Attleborough and the next one would be held at Cringleford, covering issues
relating to the registration of land. It
is hoped that in November or December there would be an event covering
allotments.
NorfolkALC
had successfully obtained £36,000 from the County Strategic Partnership; this
would be distributed to parishes in Norfolk. Parishes
were welcome to bid for £500-£5,000. It
was suggested that funding could be sought for projection equipment at the Town
Hall.
1593.
To discuss the Review of the Town Council Structure
Cllr
Stacey reported that the Standing Orders Working Party was reviewing the
Standing Orders in conjunction with the new Council structure.
Any updates would be referred to Full Council for approval.
1594.
To receive reports from representatives of Outside Bodies
i.
Joint
Burial Committee – A report
had been circulated (Appendix 4).
Cllr
Teverson reported that the fence surrounding the cemetery was broken in several
places. Cllr Fox would report this
to the Committee.
ii.
West
Norfolk Sports Forum – Cllr
Pyatt reported that the ‘Let’s Get Active’ magazine, produced by the BCKL&WN
informed parishioners of current and forthcoming events. Netball
and table tennis were becoming popular sports in Downham Market. It was noted
that the Development Committee had suggested the need for rugby posts.
1595.
Town Hall
i.
Report from Town Hall Interim
Management Team – Cllr Leach gave a brief report on the current Town Hall
budget. Three further weddings had been booked in 2010 thanks to the good
publicity from the first one. The cinema showings were progressing well and
tickets were selling for the next show on Tuesday 27th October 2009.
The Heritage Society had been granted a six-month extension on their lease.
Quotes were being obtained for redecoration. The
Management Team had a stall booked at the Community Fair on Saturday 17th
October to advertise and promote the cinema and to encourage more people to
become involved. Another small Public Consultation would take place either on
the Town Hall steps or in the foyer, depending on weather conditions.
The
West Norfolk Tourist Forum would be holding their AGM in the Town Hall on
Thursday 12th November 2009. Cllr Mrs Nunn advised that this has been
done to help raise the profile of Downham Market. Support would be appreciated
from the Town Council and Chamber of Trade.
1596.
Report on the Howdale Community Centre
Cllr
Pyatt reported that Mr Mike Coles had resigned as Treasurer for the Howdale
Community Centre. It was agreed that the Clerk, Cllr Teverson and Cllr Pyatt
would hold a meeting in order to look at the finances in detail for the Centre.
a)
To discuss retaining the ATC Hut
– Cllr Mrs Starling reported that the Working Party would be meeting with Flt
Lt Ian Coalfield on Friday 16th October 2009 to view the hut.
A short discussion took place and Councillors were
of the opinion that the Town Council should attempt to retain the hut.
Proposed – Cllr Stacey
Seconded – Cllr Mrs Nunn
‘That every effort is made to retain the ATC Hut’.
For – 15
Against – 0
Abstentions – 1
1597.
Car Park Charging
Cllr
Blyth reported that an Extraordinary Car Parks and Highways Committee meeting
had been held on Thursday 8th October 2009 to discuss car park
charging. A report had been circulated to members of the Council and the
following proposal had been made:
‘That
this Committee recommend to Full Council that Car Park Charging for Downham
Market Town Council Car Parks will be implemented subject to appropriate
consultation.’
A
long discussion took place. Cllr
Teverson felt that the report was not informative enough and that more evidence
from the Committee would be required before Councillors could make an informed
decision.
Proposed
– Cllr Stacey
Seconded – Cllr Leach
Cllr
Teverson requested a named vote.
‘That
Car Park Charging for Downham Market Town Council Car Parks will be implemented
subject to appropriate consultation.’
For
Against
Abstentions
Cllr
Stacey
Cllr Geary
Cllr Fox
Cllr
Mrs Mellish
Cllr Daymond
Cllr
Sampson
Cllr Pyatt
Cllr
Blyth
Cllr Teverson
Cllr
Cross
Cllr
Wallace
Cllr
Staling
Cllr
Sharman
Cllr
Leach
Cllr
Reed
Cllr
Mrs Nunn
Cllr
Doyle
1598.
To discuss taking back the Town’s remaining assets held by the BCKL&WN
There
was nothing to report to this meeting.
1599.
To discuss any urgent items as agreed by the Mayor
There were no
urgent items for discussion at this meeting.
1600.
Mayor’s Announcements
The Mayor, Cllr
Doyle, wished to note that the ‘Get Active’ magazine produced by the BCKL&WN
had not made any statement about the Anglia in Bloom Award, which Downham Market
had received. Cllr Mrs Mellish would investigate this.
-
Friday, 30th October 2009 – The Ugly Bugs Ball, Town Hall.
-
Sunday, 1st November 2009 – RBL Band Concert, Town Hall,
tickets £6.00 each.
-
Sunday, 8th November 2009 – Remembrance Sunday, Councillors
should make every effort to support this event.
1601.
Report from Human Resources Working Party, discussion and
recommendations to Full Council
a)
To discuss Human Resources report – A document was circulated to all
members regarding the correct procedure to complain about a member of staff
(Appendix 4).
The Mayor, Cllr Doyle, reminded Councillors that in
the Town they were representing the Town Council and were expected to conduct
themselves in an appropriate manner.
b)
To discuss any Human Resource confidential items – See Confidential
Report.
Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 –
following the exclusion of the public and press
Proposed – The Mayor, Cllr Doyle
Seconded – Cllr Stacey
‘To
invoke Standing Order 5a, that in the view of the confidential nature of the
business about to be transacted, it is advisable in the public interest, that
the public and/or the press be temporarily excluded and they are instructed to
withdraw.’
All in favour
The Mayor, Cllr
Doyle, closed confidentiality and resumed the meeting.
The Mayor
thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8.55pm.
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