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Notes on Camelford Town Council meeting held on 5th October 2006 (notes taken by Ada McCormick)

 

Councillors in attendance: Mayor Jenny Finch (JF), Deputy Mayor Bonnie Grills (BG), Jo Sanders (JS), Bob Ireland (BI), Philip Clark (PC), David Pierce (DP), Andy Shaw (AS), Mike Williams (MW), Lynne Crockford (LC), Sue Elford (SE).

 

Minutes taken by: Town Clerk Barry Jordan

 

Public Participation

 

Letter read out from Frank Samuel

Dated 12th September, but not received until 18th September therefore too late to be included in the last Council Meeting, re exclusion of public when discussing land at Tregoodwell when any planning application would of course be of interest to those living in Tregoodwell.  The reason given by the Mayor (JF) for the exclusion of the public was that since the discussion was to be about the monies to be offered for the purchase of land at auction, to have made this public would have influenced the bidding, no decision was taken. JF also said that the Council do not have secret meetings, confidential minutes are released after an appropriate period of time.  Clerk to write to Mr Samuel and explain the reason for the delay in reply and the reasons for the exclusion of the item from the public element of the meeting.

 

Two letters read out from Mrs Ireland

1st – Mrs Ireland wrote, re Council Meeting 19th September when Councillor Brian Lush declared a personal interest in an item on the agenda for exclusion relating to a court case as he had been advised he should take no part in the debate and not to vote as he could be asked to make a statement to the Court in the case.  He was put under such pressure that he left under protest. “I know that Councillor Finch has also made a statement to the court, how was it that she should be allowed to remain when debating this matter?”  JF replied that the statement made by her was on behalf of the Council and that it was necessary for her to remain as Chair she is point of contact between the Solicitor and the Council.  As such she does not have to declare any interest.  Letter to be sent to Mrs Ireland.

 

2nd – re rumours around town re allotments which it is reported to have been instigated by comments made by JF.  Was this matter an item under discussion under exclusion at a Council meeting, if so is this not a serious breach the Code of Conduct to declare the content of a closed meeting.  JF replied that Council have actively been looking for land for Community Gardens.  JF agrees with Mrs Ireland that had she discussed this matter it would have been a breach of the Code of Conduct but assured the Council that she had not discussed the matter with anyone.  Clerk to reply.

 

  1. Apologies - Brian Lush (on holiday)

 

  1. Declarations of Interest and gifts of over £25.00

 

  1. Receive and Approve minutes of last meeting
    1. Amendment proposed by MW to item 5 that the following should be added to the text ‘and added that it had already been discussed by the cabal’.
    2. BI at the end of the last meeting requested that excluded items on the agenda be given in more detail to ensure that councillors are able to declare interests personal/prejudicial and be much better prepared for discussion.  BJ explained that he could expand on them a bit but that too much information could be dangerous with pieces of paper flying around.  JF said that she remembered that it was said that Councillors could ring the Clerk for further expansion on excluded items on the agenda.  Proposed AS Seconded DP Vote 5/5

 

  1. Items Carried Forward from the last meeting
    1. Traffic Monitoring
    2. Clerk to write to NCDC re signs around town including the sign outside the Co-op which has been damaged by a lorry.
    3. Appoint a finance committee - BI concerned re the system used to manage funds held by Council after financial training session attended by PC, BJ and BI.  BI feels that the Council should appoint a Finance Committee to ensure that regulations are met as the Council are required to monitor all finances.  Not that BI felt there was any problems with the accounts, rather that the Council should be seen to be monitoring them.  JF  asked if it would it help if a rota be set up so that each Councillor in turn checked the finances each month.  BJ did not want to have the accounts to be online for safety reasons.  AS said that the Council pay an auditor to check the accounts.  BG stated that the Council had once had a finance committee but it was felt that there was no longer a need as the accounts were so good.  BI pointed out that the audit was probably so good because there was a finance committee.  BJ stated that he has the accounts up to date and that he has produced a projection for the next 4 years.  A special meeting is to be scheduled for a finance meeting of full Council for the precept, arranged for Wednesday 1/11/06, 7 p.m. BJ to make sure that all Councillors have the necessary paperwork.  JF asked if BI would like to make a proposal regarding the setting up of a finance committee, BI replied that as there was so much opposition it was not worth it.

 

  1. Public participation from meeting of the 19th September – none

 

  1. Questions or observations from Councillors of which notice has been given – none

 

  1. Items requiring a Decision
    1. Setting up of .gov web site for Camelford.  Council looking to set up its own Web site which will also allow Councillors to have their own .gov e-mail addresses.  Set up costs £600 plus £40 and £100 per year web hosting.  Up to Council to decide what would go on the site, Wadebridge and Bodmin have their sites up and running. AS asked if there was any grant funding available for this, BJ to look into this.  The site could be added to by any councillor with ftp access using a secure password.  The site could be used to advertise community events.
    2. Joyce Whitehouse Party, - request for grant of £60 for hire of hall 13/12/06, DP asked if letter could be sent to Hall Committee to ask for a reduction of price, BJ to request this. Proposed MW Seconded AS vote 9 for 1 abstention PC
    3. Town Trust Land between Darlington Hotel and Library, outside the “Pop In” and Liberal Club – each councillor received draft copy of lease.  Letter received from BL re the area adjacent to Nat West Bank outside the Liberal Club needs to be amended on the lease and the unmarked space outside the Hospice Shop will a risk assessment be done.  BJ stated that notices will cost approximately £60.  AS pointed out that this should be a partnership with the Town Trust not just the responsibility of the Town Council.  BJ to re draft the Lease.  AS proposed accept with changes and bring forward to next meeting, Seconded BG Vote 9 for 1 abstention.
    4. Parks for People – need to re-advertise the position of Project Manager.  To gain funding CTC need to re-advertise, Council propose to advertise on greenspace website and locally on notice boards. Proposed JF seconded MW Vote 9 for 1 abstention.
    5. Cornwall County Council – road diversion for parade on 2/12/06.  Some confusion on what is required, do not need a road closure but only a road diversion between 6pm and 9pm, cost £196.  CAR newsletter states their may be a small charge for fireworks this year to offset the VAT to be paid.  If the fireworks invoice is sent to the Council the VAT can be claimed back, this would mean that no charge can be made for the display.  The only element that would be VAT charged would be the deposit already paid of £50.00 Fireworks committee/Forum to be informed.

 

  1. Items for Information
    1. Police Liaison meeting – 9/10/06 Wadebridge Primary School, BL usually attends
    2. Pennon Group – environmental and social issues
    3. Cornwall Blind Association – Needs assessment and business development study
    4. CALC Mailing – Training etc – copies available
    5. CALC – Looking for new Chairman, post can be any Councillor.  If the matter is not resolved then the North Cornwall branch is to close which would be a great shame.
  2. Cheques for Payment – it was pointed out that two cheques appear with the same number (103123).  Final cheque not entered as it may be used in the in-committee element of the meeting.  Proposed AS seconded SE 9 for 1 abstention.
  3. Resolutions or recommendations from Councillors
    1. DP request that CCC erect a street light in Tregoodwell to make the area safe, there is already a post there.
    2. DP - The Council to contact PCT re the new Medical Centre to be built adjacent to Churchfield car park.  Invite representatives from PCT and Community First to find out why the plans for the new Medical Centre, originally to be sited in Valley Truckle has been changed.  The costs for the building of the Centre at the Churchfield site will be much more and the site is not a long term solution.  Proposed BG Seconded MW all in favour.
  4. Correspondence
    1. J Hough – traffic congestion in Camelford.  Mr Hough is an experienced traffic engineer, he has written to Highways and CC re congestion.  Letter contained detailed explanation of suggestions to alleviate congestion. DP read out an excerpt from the St Teath Parish newsletter highlighting the problems, i.e. the knock on effect the congestion in Camelford has on other villages. With Mr Hough’s expertise it was recommended that the letter be passed to J Comber, St Teath and Delabole PC and the Highways department with a covering letter from the Council.
    2. D Howe – speed restrictions on the B3266 Sportsman’s to Camelford Station, contacted CCC but needs support of Town Council.  AS did not feel the need for restrictions, general consensus being that restrictions are ignored by most drivers.  Reply that points have been noted and leave issue on the table.
    3. Vitalise – grant aid scheme – BJ feels this may be a scam
    4. Natalie Golledge appeal – Letter of thanks for support
    5. Hall Committee – Letter of thanks for grant
  5. Planning Applications
    1. 2006/0182 Full Planning.  Erection of dwelling 11 Trefrew Road, Mr T Tague – No objection (number of personal declarations of interest given)
    2.  2006/01850 Full Planning.  Creation of 1 nr radon sump below basement, 110mm diameter PVCu pipe to penetrate through existing eternal wall and run to eaves level and a vent will be fitted to the external pipework.  30A Barclays Bank PLC, Market Place Camelford.  No objection Proposed AS Seconded DP – All in favour.
    3. Planning Approval Notices

                                                              i.      None

    1. Planning Refusal Notices

                                                              i.      None

  1. Committee Reports
    1. Amenities Meeting 21/09/06 – Mary Pearce will, after March, no longer be able to look after the flower beds.  BI reported that Mrs Pearce hurt her leg and has become very disillusioned with the support she receives and the care taken of the garden areas.  Jenny Metters has indicated that she would be willing to take it on.  Clerk to write and Mrs Pearce her for hard work in the past, contact Jenny Metters to confirm that she is willing to take over.  Also advertise around town for help.  Next meeting 9/11/06 to be confirmed.

 

  1. Reports
    1. Camelford Town Forum -
    2. CDCDT – Unsuccessful with the bid for the Land in Tregoodwell for Community Gardens.  BG suggested that the Council ask NCDC if the land compulsory purchased by NCDC for the Distributor road be used for Community Gardens.  The Land at the rear of the Car Park at the Co-op was discussed but not suitable.   The Land proposed for the new medical centre would be much more suitable.
    3. Youth Club – Nothing to report, JF reported that their appeared to be quite a lot of activity in the area of the Youth Club.
    4. HERS – BJ read an e-mail from Tim Yeomans re update on Town Centre Enhancement Scheme – work on the opeways to start next week.
    5. Mayor’s report – gave information on the guide to be published next year.
    6. AS – met with memorial committee re seat – wooden seat to be installed in the park (insufficient funds for seat with metal arms) AS would like to see it in place subject to the Council being happy with the site.  Positioned at the back wall, if the Council has no objections we should write to the Forum to confirm this.  Proposed AS Seconded BI all in favour.
    7. DP – Sports Hall management meeting – No votes etc. as there was not a quorum present.  It was reported that the energy costs have gone up by 65%.  Concessions for pensioners proposal of options cards £3.00 which allows payment at junior rate. 
  2. Newsletters and Circulars
    1. None
  3. Items for the meeting 17th October 2006
    1. MW requested a discussion of the Councils views on the Distributor Road.
    2. Maintenance etc. of Grit Bins in the area.
  4. Exempt Information – Public and Press to be excluded – Proposed AS seconded MW against BI/PC.   LC left the meeting.
    1. Court summons and witness statements.

 

 

 

 

 

------------------------------   End of A. McCormick’s notes.  ---------------------------

 

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