DOWNHAM
MARKET TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
OF MEETING HELD TUESDAY, 8TH JANUARY 2008 AT 7.30PM
Present:
The Mayor
Cllr
J W Doyle
The Deputy Mayor Cllr
R Leach
Councillors
S W
Blyth
W A Clark
M G Ford
J K
Fox
S F
Geary
J
Groom
Mrs
G S S Purslow
C Pyatt
J J Reed
Mrs
P A Roberts
C T
Sampson
Mrs
P B Sharp
V F
Starling
S C
Teverson
County Councillor
Mrs
S E L Hutson
Borough Councillors J R
Legg
A M
Lovett
Mrs K Mellish
Norfolk Constabulary Inspector
M Bates
Town Clerk
Mrs J M Markwell
Deputy Clerk
Mrs S D Porter
Administrator
Ms A L Gentle
Press
Correspondent
Ms S Hewitt
Visitor
Mrs K A Heffernan
Members of Public
4
1168.
To receive members Apologies
for Absence
Apologies had been
received from Cllr P E Freeman (holiday), Cllr R J Keates (pregnancy), Cllr Mrs
S M Nunn (illness) and Cllr A D Stacey (holiday).
The apologies were
accepted.
1169.
Evacuation Procedures
The Mayor, Cllr
Doyle, notified those present of the emergency evacuation procedure from the
Town Council offices.
1170.
To receive members Declarations
of Interest
Cllr Fox declared a prejudicial
interest in Item 1177, to approve the Payment of Bills.
Adjourn
meeting for public participation and reports
The
Mayor, Cllr Doyle, adjourned the meeting.
Police
Report
Inspector
Bates reported on crimes over the past two months:
1
Theft of motor vehicles.
2
Theft from motor vehicles.
2
Handbag thefts.
3
Thefts from handbags.
16
Criminal damage offences (4 detected)
20
Crimes of violence (11 domestic related)
3
Other thefts.
0
Burglaries to dwellings.
0
Burglaries to other buildings.
2
Cycle thefts
4
Shoplifting offences
2
Other offences
3
Railway offences
Borough
Cllr Mrs Mellish advised that the former Russell garage site had been approved
for development and in view of this a safety camera should be used occasionally
to monitor the speed of the traffic on London Road.
Inspector Bates would investigate hand held radar guns in this area.
Cllr
Leach reported that a car consistently parked on the double yellow lines near 34
Bexwell Road, which causes disruption to the traffic.
Inspector Bates would investigate this.
Cllr
Blyth enquired about the sales of the personal alarms in Tesco and Somerfield
prior to Christmas. Inspector Bates confirmed that the alarms had sold out within
two hours.
Cllr
Sampson asked why cyclists were allowed to travel down one way streets the wrong
way and on pavements. Inspector Bates advised that they were not entitled to do
this and would inform the PCSOs to keep an eye on this.
Cllr
Sampson advised that gangs of youths were congregating outside Tesco and some
had baseball bats. Inspector Bates
would investigate this.
Cllr
Mrs Sharp confirmed that the next Community Action Group meeting would be held
at the Fire Station on Monday, 14th January 2008 at 7.00pm.
Inspector
Bates left the meeting at 7.45pm.
Public
Participation
The
members of public did not wish to address the meeting.
County
Councillor Report and Questions
Cllr
Mrs Hutson reported that there was no further information regarding
possible changes to Local Government. There
had been complete confusion from Central Government when the Minister and the
Chairman of the Boundary Committee had both said contradictory things.
Further information was awaited.
Cllr Mrs Hutson added
that she had been appointed Deputy Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and
had been given special responsibility for vulnerable children.
Norfolk had the highest number of children in care, of any County in
England, and Cllr Mrs Hutson’s brief was to look into this.
There were no
questions.
The Mayor, Cllr Doyle,
congratulated Cllr Mrs Hutson on her new appointment.
Borough
Councillor Reports and Questions
Cllr
Mrs Mellish reported that Mr N Grommett, BCKL&WN, had confirmed that the
sports survey would be completed by the end of January 2008.
Cllr
Legg congratulated Cllr Mrs Sharp for speaking at the Development Control Board
(DCB) meeting regarding the erection of
78 affordable dwellings at Development Sites 1-4 East of Lancaster
Crescent. Cllr Legg wished to note
that he was disappointed that the Town Council had approved the construction
of 27 flats and 8 chalet bungalows following demolition of the existing
buildings at the Former Russell Garage Site, London Road.
Cllr
Fox asked why the Town Council’s reports had been received by the DCB as
‘late correspondence’ when the reports had been submitted to the Planning
department immediately. Cllr Legg suggested that the Town Council investigate this
directly.
The
Mayor, Cllr Doyle, resumed the meeting.
Proposed – The
Mayor Cllr Doyle
‘To
invoke Standing Order 17, in order to vary the order of business and allow
urgent items as agreed by the Mayor to be discussed at this time.’
All in favour
1171.
To discuss any urgent items as agreed by the Mayor
Cllr Fox reported
that the Planning and Environmental Committee had recommended that the Town
Design Statement be adopted by Full Council in order that it could be
distributed.
Cllr Fox advised
the distribution list as follows:
20 – Downham
Market Town Councillors.
3 – Council
office retention.
8 – BCKL&WN,
Including Downham Market Borough Councillors.
5 – BCKL&WN
Planning Department.
2 – Downham
Market library.
2 – Heritage
Centre.
1 – Amenity
Society.
5 – County Cllr
Mrs Hutson for onward distribution to Highways and Planning Department (inc.
Planning Library) and other relevant departments.
50 – Ms Rachel
Bodle for distribution to contributors etc.
100+ – Copies for
sale to Developers etc at £20.00 per copy.
Proposed –
Cllr Fox
Seconded – Cllr Clark
‘That
this Council adopts the Town Design Statement as produced and published in order
that it can be distributed.’
All in favour
1172.
To approve the Minutes of the Full Council Meeting
The minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Tuesday
13th November, 2007 (pages 2276-2282) were approved and signed
as a true and accurate record.
1173.
To receive Correspondence
A
list of correspondence had been circulated (Appendix 1).
It
was noted that a meeting was being held regarding flood sirens.
The Mayor, Cllr Doyle, Cllr Leach, Cllr Sampson, Cllr Mrs Sharp and Cllr
Mrs Hutson would be attending.
1174.
Councillor’s Questions
Q:
A resident in St Winnold Close has consistent daily bonfires. Could a Borough
Councillor investigate this? (RL).
A:
Borough Cllr Mrs Mellish would personally address this matter.
Q:
Could a poster be placed on the doors of the emergency exit, leading onto the
staff car park, to advise that vehicles must not park in front of them? (JKF).
A:
Yes.
Q:
The Sports Development Council at Lynnsport, King’s Lynn, is compiling a
sports directory. Could the press
correspondent publicise this in the Lynn News and could posters regarding this
be placed in Town? (CP).
A:
Yes.
Q:
The wall in the alleyway next to Reeds Homestore is covered in graffiti.
Could this be removed? (SCT).
A:
The Methodist Church had promised to do this.
Cllr Ford would raise this issue at the next Local Action Group meeting.
1175.
To Adopt the Standing Committee Minutes
Car Parks and
Highways Committee
Proposed
– Cllr Pyatt Seconded
– Cllr Mrs Roberts
‘That
the minutes of the Car Parks and Highways Committee meetings of Monday
22nd October, 2007 (pages 2266-2268) and Tuesday 20th
November, 2007 (pages 2286-2290) be adopted.’
All
in favour
Planning and
Environmental Committee
Proposed
– Cllr Fox Seconded
– Cllr Sampson
‘That
the minutes of the Planning and Environmental Committee meetings of Wednesday
31st October, 2007 (pages 2271-2275) and Wednesday 14th November,
2007 (pages 2283-2285) be adopted.’
All
in favour
1176.
To receive the Clerk’s Report
The
Clerk’s report had been circulated (Confidential Appendix 1).
The confidential items would be discussed under confidentiality at the
end of the meeting.
1177.
To approve the Payment of Bills
A
list of bills had been circulated (Appendix 2).
Cllr Fox had declared a prejudicial
interest in this item.
Proposed – Cllr Sampson
Seconded – Cllr Mrs Roberts
‘That
the bills be paid as per the attached list.’
For – 14
Against
– 0
Abstention – 1 (Declared Interest)
1178.
Mayor Elect
Cllr Sampson
addressed the Councillors:
“Councillors,
last May I stood before you and made what some thought was a quite preposterous
proposal – namely that the fairly new councillor known as John Leach should be
the Deputy Mayor for the coming year. Fortunately, for this Council in
particular and Downham Market in general, you backed my judgement and duly
elected one of our more colourful characters to the position of Deputy Mayor.
“You
– and possibly more so he – will be relieved to hear that I am not going to
give a resume of the year so far, suffice it to say that the local press and
council minutes will bear witness to the significant beneficial effect that he
has had on our community.
“I
think that the pace of life in high civic office came as a bit of a surprise to
him and indeed may even have been a bit too hectic at times. However, he
has survived the rigours so far, probably due to the training he gained from a
lifetime on the stall. It may not be the best bit of news so far this
year, John, but there is still a third of the sentence to go!
“The
position of mayor requires the holder to have many qualities, among which
integrity and enthusiasm are foremost after the first requirement, that of
having a good wife. We know that Joyce fulfils that first position very
well and I am happy that John has the others in more than sufficient quantity,
but I am even happier that he has a healthy ignorance of what I see as the curse
of today’s normal living – political correctness. I am sure enough
that he will not succumb to the “diktats of the thought police” that I have
the confidence and great pleasure in making the following proposition.”
Proposed
– Cllr Sampson Seconded
– Cllr Mrs Sharp
‘That
Cllr R Leach be Mayor Elect of Downham Market for 2008-2009.’
All
in favour
There
being no other nominations, Cllr Leach was duly nominated Mayor Elect.
1179.
To approve the precept for 2008/2009 as recommended by the Finance and
General Purposes Committee
The
2008/2009 proposed budget had been circulated (Appendix 3).
Proposed
– Cllr Sampson Seconded
– Cllr Mrs Sharp
‘That
the Town Council precept for the financial year 2008/2009 is £278,000.’
All
in favour
1180.
Update on the acquisition of the Town Hall – Report from Cllr Ford
Cllr
Ford reported that the BCKL&WN Solicitor would be liaising with the Town
Council Solicitor regarding the purchase of the Town Hall.
Cllr
Fox advised that staff at the BCKL&WN had recently been sending clients to
the Town Council, who do not have any access to the Town Hall booking system,
regarding 2009 enquiries. However,
until the Town Hall was taken over, the Town Council could not deal with such
enquiries and because of this, the public were becoming very confused as to whom
they should hire the hall from. It
was noted that the BCKL&WN currently maintained a 364 days maximum advance
booking system and this should be continued by the Town Council.
Cllr Ford and the Clerk would investigate the booking procedure.
1181.
Update on the construction of the Fire Station Car Park – Report
from Cllr Fox
Cllr
Fox reported that the old red building on the fire station site had been
demolished and the land had been levelled.
Highways had been on site to measure and dig the surface ready for the
resurfacing, which was due to commence Monday, 21st January 2008.
CCTV and lighting would be the next stage of consideration by the Working
Party.
1182.
Report on the Howdale Community Centre
Cllr
Pyatt thanked Councillors for supporting the resolution to purchase the Howdale
Community Centre and expressed gratitude to Cllr Mrs Hutson for the work and
support she had conducted to make it possible.
It was noted that it would be important for the Centre to maintain its
charitable status in order that grants could be obtained in the future.
This would be discussed in the future.
The
Mayor, Cllr Doyle, congratulated Cllr Pyatt and Cllr Mrs Hutson for the work
they had carried out on this project.
1183.
To agree the proposition:
‘That
it is hereby resolved under Regulation 4 (5) of the Local Government Pension
Scheme Regulations 1995 that the Administrative Officer/Receptionist should be
treated as a pensionable employee for the purposes of those regulations (as
amended from time to time) with effect from 1st January, 2008.’
Ms Gentle left the Council chambers at 8.17pm.
Proposed
– Cllr Mrs Roberts Seconded
– Cllr Mrs Purslow
‘That
it is hereby resolved under Regulation 4 (5) of the Local Government Pension
Scheme Regulations 1995 that the Administrative Officer/ Receptionist should be
treated as pensionable employee for the purposes of those regulations (as
amended from time to time) with effect from 1st January, 2008.’
All
in favour
Ms Gentle returned to the Council chambers at 8.18pm.
1184.
To discuss the proposal from the Car Parks and Highways Committee:
‘That
Car Parks and Highways Committee recommends to Full Council that the Council
adopts a policy of charging for car parking on all Council owned car parks
subject to consultation with the public, the Chamber of Trade and all traders in
the Town with the aim to implement this by 1st April 2009.’
A
long discussion took place regarding the proposal from the Car Parks and
Highways Committee. The following
comments were made:
-
The economics of the Town at this time were not good and charging
could destroy it further. The shops
needed to improve before this was introduced.
-
Seven cars had parked on the Hollies car park for the duration of
two weeks – the owners had gone on holiday.
If charging were introduced the car parks would not be abused and
valuable spaces would not be lost.
-
Public consultation must take place – this could be in the form
of newspaper articles, door to door leaflets and public meetings.
-
The Council has taken out a large loan to develop the Fire Station
car park – the Council should now seriously consider an income to pay back the
loans it has.
-
Ratepayers pay for the car parks through their Council Tax.
-
A multi-storey car park had been considered and would be actively
pursued in future discussions with major developers.
The
Mayor, Cllr Doyle, asked the Council to vote on the proposal from the Car Parks
and Highways Committee.
‘That
Car Parks and Highways Committee recommends to Full Council that the Council
adopts a policy of charging for car parking on all Council owned car parks
subject to consultation with the public, the Chamber of Trade and all traders in
the Town with the aim to implement this by 1st April 2009.’
For – 3
Against – 12
Abstention – 0
Proposed
– Cllr Fox Seconded
– Cllr Pyatt
‘That
this Council supports a consultation with the public, Chamber of Trade and all
traders of the Town to get their opinions on charges for all the Council owned
car parks.’
For – 13
Against
– 2
Abstention – 0
1185.
To discuss CCTV
Cllr Pyatt reported
that the BCKL&WN had carried out a site survey in the presence of PC Paul
Smith and an Engineer from BT. The
survey within the Town Centre had looked at areas of concern, including Bridge
Street down to the White Hart, up to the top where it joins with the High Street
and along High Street. The Howdale
and the Howdale Community Centre had been visited but it was established that
distance and line of sight would prevent these areas from being incorporated
into the wireless system. BT had
not yet come back with an accurate costing for the system but it would be within
the estimated figure of £35,000.
1186.
To discuss the Foolhardy Circus request to visit Downham Market
Cllr
Mrs Roberts reported that the Foolhardy Circus had written to the Council
requesting permission to hold their circus on a Town Centre green.
It was noted that this circus was a small non traditional company which
did not entertain animals.
Proposed
– Cllr Ford Seconded
– Cllr Leach
‘That
this Council writes to the BCKL&WN for permission to allow the Foolhardy
circus to stand on The Howdale.’
For – 14
Against
– 1
Abstention – 0
Proposed –
The Mayor Cllr Doyle
‘To
invoke Standing Order 17, in order to vary the order of business and allow the Human Resources item to
be discussed under confidentiality at the end of the meeting.’
All in favour
1187.
Mayor’s Announcements
-
Mayor’s Awards for
Young People (sponsored by the Lynn News) – Town Hall, Friday, 22nd
February 2008 at 6.00pm.
-
St Winnold’s Breakfast
– Procession Friday, 14th March 2008 at 9.00am.
-
Mayor’s At Home –
Town Hall, Friday, 28th March 2008 at 7.30pm.
-
Civic Service – St
Edmund’s Church, Sunday, 13th April 2008 at 3.00pm.
Proposed – The
Mayor Cllr Doyle
Seconded – Cllr Mrs Roberts
‘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
Cllr
Mrs Hutson, Cllr Legg, Cllr Lovett, Cllr Mrs Mellish, Ms Hewitt and Mrs
Heffernan left the Council chambers at 8.39pm.
To Receive Clerk’s Report
This item was resumed (the confidential information
of the Clerk’s report, Item 1176, had been deferred).
See Confidential Report.
Proposed
– Cllr Fox Seconded
– Cllr Pyatt
‘That
this Council gives the contract for the maintenance of green spaces, car parks
and planters to Holly Landscapes for one year.’
All in favour
1188.
Human Resources report (confidential item)
See Confidential Report.
Proposed –
Cllr Mrs Roberts Seconded – Cllr Mrs Sharp
‘That
the Community Development Officer starts leave immediately on full pay until her
maternity leave starts on 11th February 2008 and that Mrs Kerry
Heffernan commences employment on Monday, 14th January 2008.’
All in favour
Proposed –
Cllr Mrs Roberts Seconded – Cllr Mrs Sharp
‘That
the Clerk and Deputy Clerk attend the SLCC Practitioners Seminar on Friday, 29th
February 2008 at a cost of £190.00 per person.’
All in favour
Proposed –
Cllr Mrs Roberts Seconded – Cllr Sampson
‘That
the Deputy Clerk becomes a member of the SLCC at a cost of approximately £100.00.’
All in favour
The Mayor, Cllr Doyle, closed confidentiality and resumed the meeting.
The Mayor thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at
8.51pm.
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