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Minutes of the Staffing, Finance & General Purposes Committee held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford on Thursday 14 June 2018 at 6.30 pm

PRESENT:

North Ward:

Councillor P S Christie
Councillor D A D McGeough
Councillor P Pester

South Ward:

Councillor D G Brenton
Councillor A T Inch (Substitute for Cllr Bushby)
Councillor S G Inch (Chairman)

East Ward:

Councillor M Langmead


IN ATTENDANCE:

Mrs H J Blackburn (Town Clerk)

001.    ELECTION OF A CHAIRMAN

Councillor S G Inch was proposed by Councillor Langmead and seconded by Councillor Pester.

RESOLVED: That Councillor S G Inch is appointed as Chairman of the Committee for the coming year.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

002.    ELECTION OF A VICE CHAIRMAN

Councillor Christie was proposed by Councillor Langmead and seconded by Councillor S Inch.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Christie is appointed as Vice Chairman of the Committee for the coming year.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

003.    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor D Bushby North Ward, (Personal) and Councillor D Howell, South (Outer), (Personal).

004.    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND ANY REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATION ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

There were no declarations of interest.

005.    PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION OF 15 MINUTES DURATION

No Members of the public were present at the meeting.

006.    MINUTES

Proposed by Councillor Pester and seconded by Councillor Langmead, the minutes of the meeting held on 26 April 2018 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0, Abstentions: 2)

007.    CHAIRMAN’S ITEMS

The Town Clerk advised that one of the Maintenance Operatives had suffered irritation to his eye whilst sanding down the sewer ventilation columns, and had subsequently attended A&E, as the irritation had led to a scratch in his eye. He had been wearing safety goggles, in accordance with the risk assessment, and the incident had been recorded in the accident book.

008.    ACCOUNTS

Members received the list of payments.

Questions were raised concerning:
• The payment for the interactive display board – when will it be installed and when will the licence start? The Town Clerk advised that a site survey is scheduled for July and the licence will not start until the board is operational.

Proposed by Councillor Langmead, seconded by Councillor S Inch, and

RESOLVED: That the draft list of payments is approved.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

009.   NEW SKATE PARK DEVELOPMENT

The Town Clerk advised that the Community Engagement Officer at Torridge District Council was unable to attend the meeting, but had submitted some documentation which the Clerk circulated.

Councillor Christie advised that he had put a suggestion in to Torridge that the S106 money is put forward by Torridge District Council in advance, to prevent the project being undertaken in two stages.

Proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded by Councillor S Inch and

RESOLVED: That this is deferred until the next meeting, and that The Torridge District Council Community Engagement Officer is invited to attend, and to bring some costings for additional recreational facilities.

(Vote: For: 6, Against: 0)

010.    MANOR COURT PRESENTMENTS

Presentment Number: 7 – That sitings be investigated for sheltered bicycle racks at the Tarka Trail and near the old Railway, East the Water.

Members discussed the above presentment and questioned why covered bicycle racks had been requested. Councillor Brenton suggested that the costings and durability of covered cycle racks is investigated.

Proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded by Councillor Langmead and

RESOLVED: That The National Cycle Club is approached for their thoughts and recommendations on covered cycle racks.

(Vote For: 6, Against: 0)

Presentment Number: 5 – That the Council investigates installing Recycling bins for Plastic on the quay for cyclists, runners, visitors to deposit their empty bottles etc. and that this council investigates the possibility of installing hygienic water fountains in Victoria Park and on Bideford Quay with Plastic recycling bins nearby to show support for the campaign to stop using plastics.

Member discussed the recycling element of the above presentment, as the water fountain aspect would be covered in the next agenda item. Councillor Langmead offered to speak with The Recycling Manager of Torridge District Council and enquire about the viability of re-instating a recycling facility in the town centre.

Proposed by Councillor Langmead, seconded by Councillor Brenton and

RESOLVED: That Councillor Langmead will make enquiries with The Recycling Manager of Torridge District Council.

(Vote For: 6, Against: 0)

011.    NOTICE OF MOTION – COUNCILLOR PETER CHRISTIE

“To consider the installation of a public drinking fountain in the Jubilee Square Office Wall.”
Councillor Christie advised that he has spoken with Torridge District Council about the installation of a public drinking fountain in the Jubilee Square office wall, and that he would be willing to explore this possibility further.

Councillor A Inch suggested that a similar facility could be put at the Port Memorial, although Members questioned the source of the water. Councillor S Inch suggested that the Art Centre could be approached to supply the water. Councillor Langmead also suggested that a water fountain could be supplied at Victoria Park. Councillor Brenton suggested that just the option detailed in the motion is explored in the first instance, and Members agreed with this course of action.

(Councillor D McGeough arrived at the meeting).

Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded by Councillor Langmead and

RESOLVED: That Councillor Christie explores the feasibility and costings of installing a public drinking fountain on the Jubilee Square Office wall.

(Vote: For: 7, Against: 0)

012.    REMOVAL AND REFURBISHMENT OF “KATHLEEN & MAY” SIGN

Members considered facilitating and overseeing the removal and refurbishment of the “Kathleen and May” sign from Brunswick Wharf, following the request of a Parishioner, and the stipulation from Torridge District Council that this is done via the Town Council. Councillor Langmead advised that the parishioner would like to refurbish the sign at his own cost, and install it in the location of Kathleen Grange.

Members questioned the ownership of the sign, and whether in fact it belonged to the Clarke family. Councillor Langmead offered to check with the Clarkes on this point.

Proposed by Councillor Langmead, seconded by Councillor Brenton and

RESOLVED: That Bideford Town Council will facilitate the removal and refurbishment of the “Kathleen and May” sign from Brunswick Wharf, subject to clarification of its ownership with the Clarke family.

(Vote: For: 7, Against: 0)

013.    TOWN COUNCIL MAINTENANCE VEHICLE

Members considered a request from the Carnival Committee to use the Town Council Maintenance vehicle to pull a carnival float on 8th September 2018.

Proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded by Councillor A Inch and

RESOLVED: That this request is supported subject to confirmation from the insurance company that this is acceptable.

(Vote For: 7, Against: 0)

014.    COMMUNITY CENTRE

Members received an update on the meeting held with Torridge District Council Councillor and Officer regarding the Community Centre and a copy of the associated correspondence.

Proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded by Councillor Langmead and

RECOMMENDED: That once the MUGA has been completed, Bideford Town Council requests that the ownership of the remaining green area is taken on by this Council.

(Vote: For: 7, Against: 0)

015.    PRIVACY STATEMENT

Members considered ratifying the draft Privacy Statement produced in compliance with the GDPR Regulations which came into force on 25 May 2018.

Proposed by Councillor S Inch, seconded by Councillor Brenton and

RESOLVED: That Bideford Town Council adopts the Privacy Statement circulated by the Town Clerk.

(Vote: For: 7, Against: 0)

016.    FORD WOODS

Members considered the complaints from two householders in the vicinity of Ford Woods.

Proposed by Councillor S Inch, seconded by Councillor Brenton and

RESOLVED: That a letter is sent back to both homeowners, advising that The Council has thoroughly investigated the issues, and believes that there has been no carelessness on the part of the tree surgeon or Town Council during recent works in the woods. If they wish, the Council will refrain from any further tree surgery on land adjacent to their property unless absolutely necessary.

(Vote For: 7, Against: 0 )

017.    NALC STANDING ORDERS

Members considered the new model Nalc Standing Orders.

Proposed by Councillor S Inch , seconded by Councillor MCG and

RECOMMENDED: That the new model standing orders (as amended) are adopted.

(Vote For: 7, Against: 0 )

018.    NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Members considered the formation and Membership of a Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group.

Proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded by Councillor S Inch and

RESOLVED: That this item be deferred to Full Council for a more inclusive decision to be made.

(Vote For: 7 Against: 0)

019.    MAINTENANCE OPERATIVES

a.        Members received an update on the tasks undertaken by the Maintenance Operatives and noted the report. The Town Clerk reported that the bus stop on Old Barnstaple road had suffered a graffiti attack, and asked whether the Maintenance Team should repaint it, given that the lease is being surrendered by the Town Council. Members requested that it is painted.

Members asked the following questions:

• Are the team able to keep up with the grass cutting schedule? The Town Clerk said that she thought they were on schedule. Councillor Brenton suggested that The Town Clerk could share information with Nalc, on how the grass cutting arrangement with Devon County Council works.

• Why do the Maintenance Team monitor the dog mess on the Marland pathway on a regular basis? The Town Clerk advised that as tenants of the Marland Allotments, it is part of the Town Council’s agreement with Devon County Council, to keep this pathway clear. The Town Clerk’s Assistant has recently spoken with Torridge District Council Environmental Health, to remind them that they have also previously agreed to monitor the path on a regular basis.

Members asked that The Maintenance Team be thanked for their continued excellent work around the town.

b.       Members considered the attendance of The Trainee Maintenance Operative at a weed-spraying course being hosted by Northam Town Council in September at a cost of approximately £400.

Proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded by Councillor S Inch and

RESOLVED: That this is approved.

(Vote For: 7, Against: 0)

 c.      Members considered approving the refurbishment of the benches at Old Town.

Proposed by Councillor Pester, seconded by Councillor Brenton and

RESOLVED: That this is approved.

(Vote For: 7, Against: 0) 

d.      Members considered planting beds of hardy herbs at Landivisiau walk.

Proposed by Councillor A Inch, seconded by Councillor Langmead and

RESOLVED: That this is approved, subject to Torridge District Council’s permission

(Vote For: 7, Against: 0)

 e.     Members considered the possibility of a Team leader role with the Maintenance Team.

Proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded by Councillor Langmead and

RESOLVED: That a Team Leader role is agreed in principle.

(Vote For: 6, Against: 1)

Proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded by Councillor Langmead and

RESOLVED: That this post will be advertised internally.

(Vote For: 6, Against: 1)

Proposed by Councillor Langmead, seconded by Councillor Pester and

RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk generates a job description and person specification, and sends it to South West Employers for the salary evaluation. This should then be brought back to the SFGP Committee for approval. The interview panel will consist of The Town Clerk, Councillor McGeough and Councillor Bushby.

(Vote For: 6, Against: 1)

020.    PART II CLOSED SESSION

Proposed by Councillor S Inch, seconded by Councillor Langmead and

RESOLVED: That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be discussed, the meeting moves into part II.

(Vote For: 7, Against: 0)

021.    STAFFING MATTERS

There is a confidential minute associated with this item.

022.    Proposed by Councillor S Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED: That The Meeting returns to Standing Orders.

(Vote – For 7, Against: 0)

The business of the meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the members for their attendance and the meeting concluded at 7.36 pm.


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