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Town Council Meeting Minutes 26 June 2014


Minutes of the of the Town Council Meeting held in
the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford on Thursday 26 June 2014 at 6.00 pm

PRESENT:
North Ward:
Councillor Mrs E A Brenton
Councillor P S Christie
Councillor D C Fulford
Councillor Mrs M P Fulford

South Ward:
Councillor D G Brenton
Councillor A T Inch
Councillor S G Inch
Councillor P J Pester
Councillor R I Wootton

South (Outer) Ward:
Councillor A Powell

East Ward:
Councillor M C Langmead (Chairman)
Councillor P Davies
Councillor D Howell
Councillor D Ratcliff
Councillor R W Vanstone

IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs H J Blackburn (Town Clerk)
Mr R D Coombes (Deputy Town Clerk)
Councillor R Julian (Devon County Council)
Mrs M Bailey (Bideford Chamber of Commerce)
5 x Members of the Public

040 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor T J Johns (North Ward – work).

041 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

Councillors Christie, Howell, Langmead and Pester declared a personal interest in agenda item 29. (Trustees, Bideford Bridge Trust). 


042 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

No matters from the Agenda were raised during the Public Participation period.

043 MINUTES

It was highlighted that Councillor Christie had seconded the proposal that saw Councillor Langmead elected to the position of Town Mayor.   The Town Clerk confirmed that the minute entry would be corrected.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 15 May 2014 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 12 Against: 0 Abstentions: 3)

044 MINUTES

The Minutes of the Mayor Introduction Ceremony held on 5 June 2014 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 12 Against: 0 Abstentions: 3)

045 ACCOUNTS

To approve the payments listed.

It was proposed by Councillor S G Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED:  that the list of payments be approved.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

046 REPORT RECEIVED FROM THE BIDEFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

a.The Chairman welcomed the President of the Bideford Chamber of Commerce, Mrs Maria Bailey to the meeting.

b.Mrs Bailey thanked the Mayor for the opportunity to address the Council stating that she had lived in the area for seven to eight years, had previously worked for Torridge District Council and was honoured to be holding the post of President.  She spoke of a strong Executive Team of “doers”, the coordinated effort that had been achieved in the last twelve months adding that the Bideford Chamber represented more than just Bideford but the whole EX39 area.  Their intention is to develop the strategy originated by Jane Maynard and create a Bideford (Bay) Action Plan in the hope of encouraging more visitors.

Initiatives:

1.Promoting Independence Month.
•    Leaflets.
•    Posters.
•    Post Cards.
•    4 July 2014 – Special Event.

2.Discover Bideford Shop – Atlantic Village.
•    Revitalised set up.
•    2 x television screens providing rolling Bideford display.

3.No duplication of effort.
•    Engage with North Devon +.
•    Bideford Bay Area promotion across the country.

The Chamber, with limited resources, values the good relationship fostered with both District and Town Councils and would like to report in the future on the delivery of their action plan.

4.The Chairman then invited Members to submit questions.  Questions and comments raised included:

•    Willingness to engage with the Cosmic, not for profit, initiative.
•    Lifestyle Businesses.
•    Working with Bideford Forum / Businesses of Bideford (BoB).
•    Economies of scale / limited funding.
•    Mill Street - limited opening times.
•    Sunday opening.
•    Improvement of Digital Accessibility.

5.The Chairman then thanked Mrs Bailey for attending the Meeting and updating Members accordingly.

047REPORT RECEIVED FROM THE LOCAL COUNTY COUNCILLOR

a.The Chairman welcomed Councillor Robin Julian to the meeting.

b.Councillor Julian thanked the Mayor for the opportunity to address the Council.  Members took the chance to open the forum asking the Councillor on his points of interest, previously circulated.

Tarka Trail – The lack of lighting in the tunnel between Bideford and Weare Giffard presented Health and Safety concerns, accidents highlighting the danger which DCC should address.

Councillor Christie informed members of the potential to re-open the Bideford to Westward Ho! Line, taking people from the Tarka Trail to the sea avoiding the main roads.  The route was still there albeit overgrown.  DCC, he stated, have the powers to make compulsory purchases, where necessary; the Bridge Trust had offered £40,000 in the past towards facilitating the idea.

Councillor Julian noted the tunnel lacking lighting and indicated that he had been driving interest with a railway scheme.

He continued advising on highways including the general inspection programme:
•    A roads – monthly.
•    B roads – March – September.
•    Minor roads – April.

Bideford’s Grass Cutting was due to start on 23 June 2014 (there will be four urban cuts a year completed by the Contractor ISS).  Weed spraying would begin within two weeks although not that extensive.

The County Council are trying to produce a programme that will cause the minimum disruption when addressing the subsidence affecting the brick pavement traversing the bottom of the High Street.  Both Londonderry Farm (tarmac work) and Kingsley Road (outside Morrisons) will be addressed (hopefully within three months) – the latter with finance from the Central Government Fund.  Two areas will also receive attention between Bideford and Torrington. 

When raising the potential for general husbandry works to be completed by Community Groups the Mayor confirmed that the Town Clerk had submitted the necessary application.

c.The Chairman then invited Members to submit questions.  Questions and comments raised included:

•    Request for County to address three missing panels from the Quay bus shelters.
•    Availability of monies set aside for Alverdiscott Road Traffic calming measurers.
•    Thorough and robust information on Railway project.
o    Confirmation that behind the scenes action is taking place.
•    Request for funding to address pot holes at the Market Place and Grenville Street.
•    Buttgarden Street / Silver Street – pot holes.
o    Buttgarden Street has been attended to.
•    Manteo Way / Bideford Medical Centre – pot holes.
•    Meddon Street (bottom) white line notifying No Entry not visible / dangerous.
o    Road safety paramount.
•    Ayres Close in need of Grass cutting.
•    Geneva School – sold.
•    Pavement Parking.
•    Number of Written Motions submitted by Councillor Julian.
o    Four.
•    Concern at cancellation of HATOC meeting through lack of agenda items.
o    Many County Councillors complained also.

048 ORDER OF BUSINESS

Proposed by Councillor D Howell, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the order of business be changed to allow agenda item 25 to be brought forward and conducted, during the County Councillor’s report, before item 9.

(Vote – For: 12, Against: 3)


NOTICE OF MOTION

Submission by Councillor Mrs Brenton:

"That Bideford Town Council enters into urgent negotiations with Devon Country Council in order to retain Springfield Day Care Centre.”

Councillor Mrs Brenton stated that the Springfield Day Care Centre would close within eighteen months.  She believed that alternative options should be considered given that the building was a community resource and the Clients were prepared to pay more in order to continue to use the facility.

She amended her motion as follows:

“That Bideford Town Council writes to Devon Country Council in order to retain Springfield Day Care Centre as a community resource requesting the following information:

•    A breakdown of costs for running the Centre: staffing / income / expenditure.
•    What kind of (negotiable) (partnership) arrangement could County enter into with Bideford Town Council to maintain the facility?
•    Bideford Town Council to rent and provide subsidised care (for parishioners only).
A Business Case would need to be developed on the information provided.  A categorical response would be required, though.”

Councillor Vanstone agreed that further information was needed including rent / utilities; however, he did not believe that the Town Council were in a position to run the Centre.

Councillor Julian when asked made it clear that he was totally opposed to the closure of frontline services and indicated that he was working hard to find a solution to keep Springfield open (intimating that he did not believe it would close).

In noting Councillor Julian’s passion to keep the Centre open Councillor Powell felt that the best way forward would see the Town Council give him full support to pursue this endeavour, whilst keeping the Town Council fully informed.

Councillor Mrs Brenton added that Day Centres need subsidising. Following discussion she refined her amendment to request information on costs and what arrangements would be acceptable to County to maintain the facility.

Councillor Powell sought to amend the motion to simply request from County the running costs and what options were available to retain the facility.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Brenton and seconded

“That Bideford Town Council urgently requests details of the running costs (staffing / income / expenditure) and information on what partnership arrangement would be acceptable to Devon Country Council in order to retain Springfield Day Care Centre.”

(Vote – For: 5 , Against: 9, Abstention: 1)
Proposed by Councillor Powell, seconded and

RESOLVED:  that Bideford Town Council urgently requests details of the running costs from Devon Country Council and what options are available in order to retain Springfield Day Care Centre, with a view to determining the next steps.

(Vote – For: 12, Against: 1, Abstention: 2)

BIDEFORD LONG BRIDGE

Members received the initial feedback from Devon County Council (DCC) on the condition of the Long Bridge.  Councillor Christie, having had the opportunity to inspect the underside of the bridge from the water, circulated photographs taken by a professional photographer.  He spoke on the Grade 1 Listing and County’s Heritage responsibilities expressing incredulity at the largely superficial concerns.  Whilst Council await the publication of the report Councillor Christie agreed to pass on the Photographs to Councillor Robin Julian.

The Chairman then thanked Councillor Julian for attending the Meeting and updating Members accordingly.

049 COMMUNICATION BROUGHT FORWARD ON THE DIRECTION OF THE MAYOR

a.    The Town Clerk advised that further to information circulated regarding the Bideford Branch of the Royal British Legion arranged short Parade and Commemorative Service to be held on 3 August 2014, Members are to be robed and ready by 9.10 am.  The Parade will start from Jubilee Square and the Service will be held at St Mary’s Church.  Both the Mayor and Lord Burnett will lay wreaths.  The names of those Bideford Fallen will be read out.

b.    Councillor A T Inch confirmed that the Flower Bed, in Victoria Park, would be ready by 3 August 2014.

c.    Councillor Powell raised the issue of the past Mayor names, Adams / Chope, possibly located on the incorrect mayoral portraits.  Both Councillors Powell and Christie agreed to necessary further investigation.
 
050 STAFFING, FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

(Councillor A T Inch declared a non-pecuniary interest (member of the Rotary Club)).

It was noted that Minute Nos. 009 and 012 contained recommendations.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 12 June 2014 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 14, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)

051 PLANNING COMMITTEE

a.    The Minutes of the Meeting held on 28 May 2014 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

b.    The Minutes of the Meeting held on 18 June 2014 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

052 ORDER OF BUSINESS

Proposed by Councillor M Langmead, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the order of business be changed to allow agenda item 12 to be taken as the last item to provide Members the opportunity to avail themselves of hard copies (Draft Minutes having been circulated by E Mail and published on the Council website).

(Vote – For: 14, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)

053 RESIGNATION FROM MARKET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Item withdrawn by Councillor Mrs Fulford.

054 INVITATION TO COUNTY COUNCILLORS TO ATTEND ALL TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS

Members considered inviting the County Councillors to attend all Town Council meetings.

Proposed by Councillor  S G Inch, seconded

RESOLVED:  That the County Councillors: Dezart and Julian are invited to attend all Town Council Meetings, with one representative per meeting (to be agreed amongst themselves).

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

055 BIDEFORD COLLEGE MEETING – 17 JULY 2014

The Town Clerk, having spoken to Bideford College, following the response from Members suggested that a delay until September 2014 would be most appropriate.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Brenton, seconded

RESOLVED:  That a meeting at Bideford College be delayed until an appropriate date in the Autumn term 2014 is agreed upon.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

056 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PENSION SCHEME DISCRETIONS POLICY

The Members considered the

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Brenton, seconded

RESOLVED:  That the Local Government Pension Scheme Discretions Policy as formulated by the Staffing, Finance and General Purposes Committee is adopted.
          
(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

057 GRANT APPLICATION

Members considered making an application to the Devon Remembers WW1 War Memorial Restoration Grant Scheme.  Councillor Mrs Brenton confirmed that monies remained available despite the submission date having passed.   Concern was expressed at the impact of the possible development of the Burton Art Gallery and councillors indicated a desire for an update on the extension project.  Councillor S G Inch intimated a willingness to work with the Town Clerk on measuring the ground area.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Brenton, seconded

RESOLVED:  That the costings for ground stabilisation around the WWI War Memorial standing area are calculated and an application to Devon Remembers WWI War Memorial Restoration Grant Scheme submitted.  Any shortfall in funding to be considered by Bideford Town Council.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

058 BIDEFORD PARK RUN – FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION

Members considered a request from Torridge District Council to make a financial contribution towards the Bideford Park run.  Councillor Powell while wholeheartedly supporting the initiative felt that an additional white line be introduced to mark an interval / distance allowing for a 5 km track in addition to the 2 km proposal.

Councillor Howell indicated that the Bridge Trust had been approached and Councillor Pester confirmed a figure of £1,000.00 had been provisionally tabled.

Proposed by Councillor Powell, seconded

RESOLVED:  That the Bideford Town Council would make up the shortfall in funding up to a maximum of £1,500.00            

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

059 COMMONWEALTH FLY THE FLAG DAY – 19 MARCH 2015

Members gave consideration to participating in the Fly a flag for the Commonwealth Day on 19 March 2015.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Brenton, seconded

RESOLVED:  That Bideford Town Council purchase a flag to be flown on Commonwealth Day on 19 March 2015.                  

(Vote – For: 14, Against: 1)

060 EXETER TO OKEHAMPTON PASSENGER SERVICE

Members gave consideration to supporting the Okehampton Town Council bid to re-opening the passenger service between Exeter and Okehampton.  Councillor D Brenton, having attended an Okehampton led meeting, encouraged members’ support in principle, but not financially, believing that the backing would help enormously.  He described current use of the line for Quarry work adding the benefit of an alternative line during inclement weather the advantage of its relative close proximity.

Proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded

RESOLVED:  That Bideford Town Council offer their written support to Okehampton Town Council in their bid to re-open the passenger service between Exeter and Okehampton.                 

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

061 PARKING ON PAVEMENTS - RNIB

Members noted the response from the RNIB regarding parking on pavements.

062 BIDEFORD LONG BRIDGE

This item was discussed during the County Councillor’s agenda item.

063 NOTICE OF MOTION

Submission by Councillor S G Inch:

"To give consideration to two supplementary grass cuts to all Devon County Council maintained verges in Bideford using the existing contractors (ISS)."

Discussion led by Councillor S G Inch included:

•    Visitor impressions / negative comment.
•    Timing of cuts (July and August – DCC scheduled June and September).
•    Monitoring of cuts.
•    Experience of other Councils with Contractor.
•    Councillor S G Inch to monitor.
•    Councillors to update Councillor S G Inch.

Proposed by Councillor S G Inch, seconded

RESOLVED:  That ISS is approached to provide two grass cuts, at a cost of £4,938.00, in addition to their DCC commitment; Councillor S G Inch to monitor.

(Vote – For:  15, Against: 0)

064 NOTICE OF MOTION

Submission by Councillor Pester:

"To give consideration to supporting the planning application submitted by The Dementia Day Care Facility at 21 Orchard Rise, Bideford. This establishment enables persons with Dementia to have care away from their partners, thus giving them respite. This is the only facility in the area catering solely for persons with Dementia, with fully trained staff. They have 6 persons using the premises at present and a waiting list. I feel that as a Council we should be backing this project. Even though the establishment is in Northam, they take people from Bideford and surrounding area."

The Motion was withdrawn.

065 SOUTH WEST CONFERENCE OF LOCAL COUNCILS ASSOCIATION REPORT

Councillor Fulford reported on his attendance at the South West Conference of Local Councils Association singling out the regeneration and transformation of Ilfracombe, noting the importance of funding to stimulate improvements.

066 BIDEFORD FORUM

The Mayor advised that Graham Blight had been elected as Chairman and that representatives included the Chamber of Commerce, Bideford Town Council, TDC, Businesses of Bideford and the Police.

He praised the efforts made by Malcolm Harris (TDC).

067 TORRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

Councillor Christie spoke on the 25% cuts in staffing, a Bideford Port contract having fallen through, the Local Plan having gone to consultation, a Tidy Town meeting and six candidates put up for a by-election.

068 BRIDGE TRUST

Councillor Christie advised Members on the income, expenditure, charitable donations, grant figures and a rare invitation to allow Mr Bowser to talk on the Wings’ Plan.

069 MARKET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 19 June 2014 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 14, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)

The business of the meeting having been concluded the Mayor thanked the members for their attendance at the meeting which concluded at 8.31 pm.


Signature of Town Mayor: ……………………………    Date: ………………...............


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