DOWNHAM
MARKET TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
OF MEETING HELD TUESDAY, 15TH SEPTEMBER 2009 AT 7.30PM
Present:
The Mayor
Cllr
J W Doyle
The Deputy Mayor Cllr
J K Fox
Councillors
S W
Blyth
S J
Collins
H M
Cross
F E
Daymond
P E
Freeman
S F
Geary
J
Groom
R
Leach
Mrs
K Mellish
Mrs
S M Nunn
J J
Reed
D
J Sharman
A D Stacey
Mrs
V F Starling
S C
Teverson
W A
Wallace
Norfolk County Council
Mrs S E L Hutson
Norfolk
Constabulary
Insp M Bates
Town Clerk
Mrs J M Markwell
Deputy Clerk
Mrs S D Porter
Members of Public
1
The Mayor, Cllr
Doyle, notified those present of the emergency evacuation procedure from the
Town Council offices.
1559.
To receive Members’
Apologies for Absence
Apologies had
been received from Cllr Pyatt (prior engagement), Cllr Sampson (prior
engagement), Cllr Lovett (BCKL&WN) and Cllr Legg (BCKL&WN).
The apologies
were accepted.
1560.
To receive Members’ Declarations
of Interest
The
Mayor, Cllr Doyle, Cllr Fox, Cllr Leach and Cllr Wallace declared a pecuniary
interest in Item 1566, To Approve the Payment of Bills.
Adjourn
meeting for public participation and reports
The
Mayor, Cllr Doyle, adjourned the meeting.
Police
Inspector
Bates reported on crime from July – September 2009:
This
is usually a busy period for Anti Social Behaviour as most school children are
not at school. This year has been fairly successful.
Break
in’s – 0
Cars
stolen in town – 1
Cars
broken into – 2
Criminal
damage – 24
Dwelling
burglaries – 7
Violence
(mostly domestic) – 18
Garden
ornament thefts – 6
A
warrant had been issued on a property in Landseer Drive area at the beginning of
August and a considerable amount of cannabis resin had been recovered. The
person is now on bail for possession of intent to supply.
A
chase took place on Monday 10th August starting from Retreat Estate
where two people were seen to be loading a moped onto a lorry/van, they were
later arrested in North Runcton and charged with attempted theft.
There
is a problem with groups of juveniles in the Town, one of which is currently
banned from going into the shops in town through Shop Watch.
The
Road Policing Unit has offered their services to the Police, and are doing speed
checks on Lynn Road.
The
Camera Safety Van has been on London Road.
The
SNT have been working on their priorities and have been attending various fetes
and functions, including the Water Festival in Downham Market. The next meeting
for the SNT’s is in Nordelph on Thursday 22nd October 2009.
Staffing
is at a good level in Downham Market and there will be a 6th PC
coming in October 2009.
Cllr
Mrs Nunn wished to congratulate the Police on 2 PCSO’s who arrived after she
had made a call in around 7 minutes and before they left 2 Police Officers had
arrived. Inspector Bates will pass this onto to the PCSO’s and Police
Officers.
Cllr
Groom asked what Inspector Bates thoughts were on the Youth Workers in the Town,
he felt that the Detached Youth Work is going well.
Cllr
Mrs Hutson arrived at 7.40pm
Cllr
Stacey wished to note that he had phoned the 0845 non emergency Police number
and was given a quick response.
Cllr
Groom also noted that she had used the external phone at the Police Station,
which had also been a good response.
Inspector
Bates informed members that there had been a review of the Public Police Offices
across the county and it was feared that Downham Market would be closed, however
it was decided that the Office would be open Monday – Thursday 8.00am –
4.00pm and Friday 8.00am – 3.30pm.
Inspector
Bates left the meeting at 7.46pm.
County
Councillor
Cllr
Mrs Hutson reported that the Town Council should have received a letter
regarding the Flood Sirens. Cllr Mrs Hutson will obtain a copy of the letter and
options available and pass it to the Town Council. Cllr Mrs Hutson added that
the Town Council have until January 2010 to submit a response.
Cllr
Mrs Hutson also reported that there are works going on in Cannon Square, holes
are being made for trees to be planted by the Church wall. A message had been
left for Cllr Mrs Hutson regarding the Golden Gravel not being up to the
standard expected.
Borough
Councillors
Cllr
Mrs Mellish informed members that Chief Executive Ray Harding of the BCKL&WN
had contacted and informed her that enforcement had been in touch with Mr Gibbs
regarding the Jim Russell site advising that it is in desperate need of being
cleared. Mr Gibbs informed enforcement of a date Contractors would be coming to
clear the site.
Cllr
Mrs Mellish also informed members that the planters outside the toilets on the
Town Hall Car Park will be changed as soon as the nursery has the other planters
ready. This will now be a Borough Council responsibility.
Cllr
Mrs Nunn wished to congratulate both the Town Council and the Borough Council on
the planters in the Town.
Public Participation
No members of public wished to
speak.
The
Mayor, Cllr Doyle, resumed the meeting.
1561.
To approve the Minutes
The minutes of the Town Council meetings held on Tuesday 14th
July 2009 (pages 2846-2854), were approved and signed as a true and accurate
record.
1562.
To receive correspondence
A
list of correspondence had been circulated (Appendix 1).
1563.
To receive Councillors
questions
Q:
Has anyone been to the War Memorial Playing Field to see the new MUGA? The BCKL&WN
had not delivered what was promised. There was lack of planning and organisation,
no basket ball nets were put up, the goalmouth is not aligned with the tennis
courts
A:
The Mayor, Cllr Doyle had a meeting with Cllr Nick Daubney today, the matter had
been raised with him.
Q:
Can we ask for our money back?
A:
No, the cheque was drawn up; however it was held as the Town Council were not
happy with the outcome for the MUGA, but due to receiving a final request the
cheque had now been forwarded to the BCKL&WN.
Q:
I am surprised there is no HR item on the agenda for this evening?
A:
This is a confidential matter and will only be raised under confidentiality and
can be brought up under item 20.
Q:
Why was it so difficult for Councillors to support both the Town and the Mayor
at a very high profile Royal British Legion event on Sunday 13th
September 2009?
A:
There was no response to this question.
Q:
Could the Councillors be given their own email addresses?
A:
This will be investigated.
Q:
Cllr Stacey wished to inform members that he has stood down from the Festival
Committee and asked for his name to be taken off the list as a representative.
A:
Yes, this will reluctantly be done. The Mayor, Cllr Doyle wished to express his
thanks to Cllr Stacey for all he has done as a representative for the Festival
Committee.
Q:
Two years ago the Council voted by majority not to allow the traditional fair to
come to Downham Market. Could we ask the Showmen’s Guild to re-instate the
fair to co-inside with St Winnolds and for September?
A:
This will need to be taken to the Car Parks & Highways Committee and can
then be bought back to the Full Council.
1564.
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 meeting of Tuesday 16th
June 2009 (pages 2829-2836), Wednesday 1st July, 2009 (pages
2839-2841), Wednesday 15th July, 2009 (pages 2855-2858) and Wednesday
29th July, 2009 (pages 2873-2876) be adopted.’
For
– 17 Against –
0 Abstentions – 1
Development
Committee
Proposed
– Cllr Mrs Starling Seconded
– Cllr Leach
‘That
the minutes of the Development Committee meeting of Tuesday 28th July
2009 (pages 2866-2872) be adopted.’
For
– 17 Against –
0 Abstentions – 1
Car
Parks and Highways Committee
Members
agreed that the Clerk would investigate the proposal ‘That
this Committee agrees to give Tim Landles authorisation to act on the Town
Council behalf on the leases and agreements with Morrisons’, which was
agreed at the Car Parks and Highways Committee meeting on Tuesday 21st
July 2009 before adopting the minutes. Both sets of minutes would be bought back
to the next Full Council meeting to be adopted.
Finance and
General Purposes Committee
Proposed
– Cllr Geary Seconded
– Cllr Stacey
‘That
the minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting of Tuesday, 30th
June 2009 (pages 2837-2838) be
adopted.’
For
– 17 Against –
0 Abstentions – 1
1565.
To receive the Clerk’s Report
There
was no Clerks report.
1566.
To approve the Payment of Bills
A
list of bills had been circulated (Appendix 2).
The Mayor, Cllr Doyle, Cllr Fox,
Cllr Leach and Cllr Wallace had declared a pecuniary interest in this item.
Proposed –
Cllr Teverson
Seconded – Cllr Stacey
‘That
the bills be paid as per the attached list.’
For
– 14 Against –
0 Abstentions – 4
(Declared Interest)
1567.
To receive reports from the Working Parties
i.
Local
Development Framework –
Cllr Geary reported that there had been no meetings held. There appeared to be a delay due to the Local Government
reorganisation. The Mayor, Cllr Doyle stressed that it was still an important
item and would need to be kept on the Agenda for future reference.
ii.
Old
Fire Station site – Heritage Centre – A report had been circulated (Appendix 3).
Cllr
Fox reported to members that a meeting had taken place with the Town Clerk,
himself, Heritage Society representatives and the Town Council Solicitor to try
and look at what exactly the Heritage Society were looking for and what problems
they had with the proposed leasing agreement. The meeting was adjourned as the
Heritage Society were not co-operating it was therefore agreed that each party
will make contact through the correct channels (i.e., Solicitors). A
recommendation will be raised at the next Full Council meeting when a decision
would be made.
1568.
To discuss the Review of the Town Council Structure
A
report had been circulated (Appendix 4).
Cllr
Teverson reported that almost all Councillors had replied and made comments to
the Review of the Town Council report. Cllr Teverson noted a few of the comments
to members.
The
Mayor, Cllr Doyle noted that this should be a living document and some matters
should be left to the Committees.
Cllr
Teverson reported that the earliest this could be adopted would be next April
2010.
Proposed –
Cllr Teverson
Seconded – Cllr Mrs Mellish
‘That Full
Council adopt the Review of the Town Council Structure subject to its inclusion
in the Standing Orders for the beginning of the next Civic Year’.
All in favour
1569.
To receive reports from representatives of Outside Bodies
i.
Joint
Burial Committee – There was nothing to report to this meeting.
ii.
West Norfolk Sports Forum –
There was nothing to report.
1570.
Town Hall
i.
Report from Town Hall Interim
Management Team – Cllr Leach reported that the new chairs have arrived in
the Town Hall. The Town Hall Committee have booked a table at the Community Fair
to promote the Cinema; this will be to ask what people would like to see and if
they would like to get involved. At
the same time there will be another Public Consultation regarding the future
development of the Town Hall outside whilst the Community Fair is taking place.
Quotes
for painting of the exterior of the Town Hall are being investigated. This will
hopefully be completed by early spring. The foyer of the Town Hall is also being
looked at and is in desperate need of decoration and some refurbishment. Mr
Stephenson has looked at the Cupola and the roof. As soon as his report is
received, tenders will go out to contractors for quotes.
The
first wedding took place in the Town Hall on Saturday 22nd August
2009. It was a great success. Two further weddings have been booked for next
year. Lettings are about the same as last year and the Committee have prepared a
3 year business plan ready to submit to the Finance and General Purpose
Committee.
1571.
Report on the Howdale Community Centre
a)
To discuss retaining the ATC Hut – There was no report; this item
will be deferred to the next Full Council meeting.
Mrs Sharp left the meeting at 8.50pm
1572.
Car Park Monitoring – The Hollies – Review of current situation
Cllr Blyth reported that a Working Party had been set up to discuss the
lease with Morrisons and Tim Landles, however it has all gone quiet and the
Working Party have not heard anything.
The Mayor, Cllr Doyle informed members that Morrisons had been given the
power to monitor the Hollies Car Parks up to this Full Council meeting, however
members must now decide if they are to allow Morrisons to carry on with the
monitoring.
A long discussion took place and members debated Morrisons being allowed
to continue monitoring the Hollies Car Parks.
Members
agreed to ask Morrisons what is going as far as the monitoring is concerned. The
car parks do not seem to be monitored as much as they were. The Clerk will
investigate this.
Proposed – Cllr Groom
Seconded – Cllr Leach
‘That Full
Council allow the monitoring to continue by Morrisons until the next Full
Council meeting, which will be held on Tuesday 13th October 2009’.
For – 14
Against – 1 Abstentions
– 3
Cllr Freeman reported to members that the Working Party had been looking
into a Car Park Monitoring scheme for all the car parks in Downham.
It was being considered that the Town Hall car park may remain free at
all times for a maximum stay of 1 hour.
The suggestion was that the Hollies 1 & 2 and front Paradise Road car
park would remain free for the first hour and then be chargeable per hour. These
car parks would be a maximum stay of 3 hours.
With regard to the Old Fire Station site car park and the back of
Paradise Road car park it was suggested that it would be a long term car park
with 50% of the spaces being issued permits, charging for a 4 hour period or all
day. The permits will be charged for a year at a 60% reduction on the normal
charging costs, this will hopefully encourage people to obtain one.
The Working Party has been in contact with
a company who are quite happy to run the scheme for the Town Council; they would
install all the equipment, perform all the monitoring, empty machines and bank
them.
Cllr
Freeman will circulate a copy of the proposal to all Councillors. The Clerk will
ensure this is done.
It was agreed that an extraordinary meeting would be held by the Car
Parks and Highways Committee to discuss the matter further.
Members
agreed that the original proposition for Car Park Charging would need to be
looked at. The Clerk will investigate this.
The Clerk advised members that 3 quotes would need to be obtained for Car
Park Charging and the Off Street Parking Orders would also need to be changed,
this is a lengthy process.
1573.
To discuss the grant for the Water Festival – response letter from
BCKL&WN
The Mayor, Cllr Doyle reported to
members that a grant had not been received from the BCKL&WN for the Water
Festival. It was noted that The Mayor, Cllr Doyle had spoken to Cllr Daubney
regarding this matter and he will be looking into it.
1574.
To discuss taking back the Town’s remaining assets held by the BCKL&WN
Cllr Teverson reported to members
that the Town Council is still waiting for information from the BCKL&WN.
The Mayor, Cllr Doyle informed
members that a continuation meeting would need to be called to finish this
meeting as it was 9.30pm.
The
Mayor thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 9.30pm.
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