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Minutes of the Town Council held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford on Thursday 16 May 2019 at 6.30pm

PRESENT:

North Ward:

Councillor D Bushby
Councillor P S Christie
Councillor J Herron
Councillor T J Johns
Councillor D McGeough

South Ward:

Councillor Mrs S Langford
Councillor P Lawrence
Councillor R I Wootton

West Ward:

Councillor Mrs K Corfe
Councillor C Hawkins
Councillor D Ratcliff

East Ward:

Councillor J Craigie
Councillor Mrs R Craigie
Councillor Mrs J Gubb
Councillor Mrs L Hellyer
Councillor J A McKenzie

IN ATTENDANCE:

Mrs H J Blackburn (Town Clerk)
Mr R D Coombes (Deputy Town Clerk)
Mrs L Dixon-Chatfield (Assistant to the Town Clerk)
Councillor A T Inch (DCC)
4 x Members of the Public

1.      ELECTION OF TOWN MAYOR

Councillor McGeough praised the outgoing mayor highlighting the Maintenance Team initiative that he had driven forward and reflected on his strong belief in building partnerships and working together.

Proposed by Councillor McGeough, seconded by Councillor Bushby that Councillor Christie be elected to fill the role of Town Mayor for the Civic Year 2019 / 2020.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Christie is appointed Town Mayor for the Civic Year 2019/2020.

(Vote – For: 16, Against: 0)

(The outgoing Mayor presented the newly elected Mayor the badge of office.)

2.      DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE

Councillor Christie expressed his thanks and resolved to promote the Office of Mayor and Town; he assumed the Chair having made and signed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

3.      ELECTION OF DEPUTY TOWN MAYOR

a.      Proposed by Councillor Bushby, seconded by Councillor McGeough that Councillor Gubb be elected to fill the role of Deputy Town Mayor for the Civic Year 2019 / 2020.

b.      Proposed by Councillor Mrs Langford, seconded by Councillor J Craigie that Councillor Mrs R Craigie be elected to fill the role of Deputy Town Mayor for the Civic Year 2019 / 2020.

Councillor Mrs Gubb:

(Vote – For: 5, Against: 4, Abstentions: 7)

Councillor Mrs R Craigie:

(Vote – For: 8, Against: 1, Abstentions: 7)

RESOLVED: That Councillor Mrs R Craigie is appointed Deputy Town Mayor for the Civic Year 2019/2020.

4.      APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

There were no absentees.

5.      PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

Devon County Councillor A T Inch congratulated the Mayor and Deputy Mayor on their appointments and the Council Members more generally on their election to the Council he had served for sixteen years.

He explained his and Councillor Mrs Hellyer’s area of responsibility as Bideford “County” Councillors adding that DCC support Towns and Parishes; he referred to grant funding and the £10,000 individual grant purses allocated from which they can direct funds.

Another Member of the Public again expressed congratulations and spoke of the importance of liaison between the (local) authorities. He spoke of important meetings, including DCC Locality and HATOC that councillors should be aware of; he referenced Abbotsham Road speed concerns and listening to Ward members.

He finished by wishing everyone good luck for the next four years.

6.      DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

The Chairman explained to Members the importance of “the Declaration of Interest” and the process.

Councillor Christie declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 26. (Member, Bideford Bridge Trust.). Councillor Mrs L Hellyer declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 24. (DCC Member, Town Centre Partnership.).

7.      MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 April 2019 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 8, Against: 0, Abstentions: 8)

8.      ACCOUNTS

a.      To approve the payments listed.

It was proposed by Councillor Bushby, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the List of Payments be approved.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)

b.      To receive and approve the Independent Auditor’s Report – Records as at 31 March 2019.

It was proposed by Councillor Bushby, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the Independent Auditor’s Report – Records as at 31 March 2019 is approved.

(Vote – For: 16, Against: 0)

9.      ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2019

The Town Clerk presented the Annual Governance Statement.

Proposed by Councillor McGeough, seconded and

RESOLVED: The Annual Governance Statement for the year ended 31 March 2019 was approved.

(Vote – For: 16, Against: 0)

10.    ACCOUNTING STATEMENT AND ANNUAL RETURN FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2019

The Town Clerk presented the Accounting Statement and Annual Return.

Proposed by Councillor McGeough, seconded and

RESOLVED: The Accounting Statement and Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2019 was approved.

(Vote – For: 16, Against: 0)

11.    GENERAL POWER OF COMPETENCE

The Town Clerk advised Members that providing the specific criteria was met the General Power of Competence enabled Councils to act in a manner that a regular person could. Formerly Councils would have to use statutory powers provided by the Local Government Act 1972.

Councillors considered section 8 of the Localism Act 2011

Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, Section 8, as set out in the Statutory Instrument Parish Councils (General Power of Competence) (Prescribed Conditions) Order 2012, Bideford Town Council hereby considers itself an ‘eligible council’ having met the following criteria:

• At the time of this resolution two thirds of the members of the Council have stood for election.
• The Clerk holds the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA), which includes Section 7 of CiLCA 2012.

(Vote for : 16, Against: 0)

12.    COMMUNICATION BROUGHT FORWARD ON THE DIRECTION OF THE MAYOR

The Town Clerk advised:

a.      Mayor Introduction Ceremony – Thursday 6 June 2019.

Members to be robed by 6.45 pm.

b.      Mayoral Parade and Church Service – 9 June 2019.

Members to be robed by 10.20 am.

13.    APPOINTMENT TO COMMITTEES, WORKING GROUPS

The Mayor directed the Members to vote en bloc following the population of the listed Committees and Working Groups.

a.     Allotments Committee

        Deputy Town Mayor, Councillors J Craigie, Mrs Gubb, Hawkins, Herron, Lawrence.

b.     Market Management Committee

        Councillors Mrs Corfe, J Craigie, Hawkins, Mrs Hellyer, McKenzie and Wootton.

c.     Planning Committee

       Town Mayor, Councillors Bushby, Herron, Mrs Langford, Lawrence and Ratcliff.

d.     Staffing, Finance & General Purposes Committee

        Town Mayor, Deputy Town Mayor, Bushby, Mrs Gubb, Mrs Hellyer, McGeough, McKenzie, Ratcliff and Wootton.

e.     Tourism Committee

        Councillors Bushby, Mrs Corfe, Gubb, Hawkins, Mrs Langford and Lawrence.

f.      Renewable Energy Generation Committee

        Deputy Town Mayor, Councillors J Craigie, Mrs Hellyer, Herron, McKenzie and Wootton.

g.     Grievance Panel

        Town Mayor, Councillors Bushby, Mrs Gubb and McGeough.

h.     Personnel Appeals Panel

        Deputy Town Mayor, Councillors Craigie, McKenzie and Wootton.

i.      Neighbourhood Plan Working Group

       Councillor Mrs Craigie requested that the Neighbourhood Plan Working Group councillor make up is expanded given the amount of work and “ground” to cover.

       Councillor Bushby explained that the intention of the initiative was for the Group to be “councillor light”, to encourage wider community involvement.

       Councillor Mrs Corfe supported an expanded list of councillors, drawing on her experience in working with community volunteer groups, given the work that will be required to set up the scheme.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Craigie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the councillor make up of the Neighbourhood Plan Working Group is increased to six Town Council Members.

(Vote – For: 16, Against: 0)

Deputy Town Mayor, Councillors Mrs Corfe, J Craigie, Herron, Mrs Langford and Wootton.

Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That Councillors are appointed as stated.

(Vote – For: 16, Against: 0)

14.     APPOINTMENT OF INTERNAL AUDITOR OF ACCOUNTS

Proposed by Councillor Bushby, seconded and

RESOLVED: That Councillor Ratcliff is appointed Internal Auditor of Accounts for the financial year 2019/20.

(Vote – For: 16, Against: 0)

15.     APPOINT REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES

The Mayor directed the Members to vote en bloc following the appointing of representatives to Outside Bodies.

Bideford & District Community Town Mayor
Archive Council: Deputy Town Mayor
Councillor (vacant)

Bideford Bridge Trust: Town Mayor
Mr D Brenton (Aug 19)
Councillor J McKenzie (Aug 20)
Councillor Mrs R Craigie (Jun 21)

Chamber of Commerce: Chairman Market Management Committee
Councillor Bushby

Bideford Twinning Association: Town Mayor
Councillor Wootton

Bideford Regatta Committee: Town Mayor
Councillor Mrs Gubb

Bideford Town Band Councillor Johns
Management Committee

Burton at Bideford: Councillor Herron
Councillor Lawrence

Citizens Advice Bureau: Councillor J Craigie

DALC County Committee: Councillor Mrs R Craigie

DALC Larger Councils Sub-Cttee: Councillor Mrs R Craigie

Pollyfield Community
Association: Councillor Mrs Gubb

Home-Start Torridge: Councillor Mrs Corfe

Bideford Bay Children’s Centre: Councillor Mrs Langford

Taw/Torridge Estuary Forum: Councillor Johns

UNESCO Biosphere Champion: Councillor J Craigie

Snow Warden: Councillors Johns and McKenzie

Bideford Town Centre
Partnership Town Mayor
Councillor Bushby
Councillor Mrs Corfe

Fire Liaison: Councillor McGeough

Police Liaison Councillor McKenzie

One Bideford Councillors Hawkins and Lawrence

Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That Councillors are appointed as stated.

(Vote – For: 16, Against: 0)

16.      CIVIC YEAR 2019/2020 MEETINGS AND FUNCTION DATES

The Members noted the content of the document, which was circulated with the agenda.

Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and

RESOLVED: The dates of meetings and functions for the Civic Year 2019/2020 are approved.

(Vote – For: 16, Against: 0)

17.      INSPECTION OF THE DEEDS AND TRUST INVESTMENTS IN THE CUSTODY OF THE COUNCIL

The Chairman drew Members’ attention to the deeds and documents held by the Council and invited Members to make arrangements with the Town Clerk to inspect them and the trust investments at an appropriate time.

18.      THE REVIEW OF TERMS OF REFERENCE, STANDING ORDERS, FINANCIAL REGULATIONS AND INSURANCE COVER

Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the following items are delegated to the Staffing, Finance and General Purposes Committee with a view to making a recommendation to Full Council:

a.        Review the terms of reference for committees.

b.        Review and adopt the appropriate standing orders and financial regulations.

c.        Confirm the arrangements for insurance cover in respect of all insurable risks.

d.        Review the Council’s and / or staff subscriptions to other bodies.

e.        Review the Council’s complaints procedure.

f.         Review the Council’s policies, procedures and practises in respect of its obligations under data protection legislation.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)

19.     MARKET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 April 2019 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 14, Against: 0, Abstention: 2)

20.     PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 24 April 2019 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 12, Against: 0, Abstention: 4)

21.     STAFFING, FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

Minute. 141. Councillor Bushby advised that eight councillors had witnessed a very good demonstration, conducted by Out of this World Events, that highlighted the difference between conventional and “silent” fireworks. He felt that the “Quiet” fireworks did not have the same impact and would not make for a good display. He suggested that the venue should be changed and that the Rugby Club approached to stage a traditional display. He believed that the silent fireworks would be a waste of money.

Councillor Hawkins noted that the “Silent” fireworks were not silent and would still cause a disturbance. Councillor McKenzie stated that they were underwhelming.

The Town Clerk reminded Members of the petition and indicated that the item should go back to the Staffing, Finance and General Purposes Committee.

Councillor Bushby concurred and stated that he would enquire with the Rugby Club.

Councillor Mrs Hellyer advised Members that it was not just starlings that were disturbed, domestic pets should also be taken into consideration.

Councillor Lawrence noted, that over the past twenty years many Bideford residents, with their families, and some more senior, would make for the Quay approaching midnight simply to view the fireworks display; it was a tradition.

Councillor Ratcliff believed that Fireworks were a complete waste of money and that the Committee should investigate a laser light show. The Chairman indicated that it had been considered and that it would be prohibitively expensive. They would ordinarily be associated with loud music.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 25 April 2019 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 13, Against: 0, Abstention: 3)

22.     RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 18 April 2019 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 10, Against: 0, Abstention: 6)

23.    TOWN SHIELD – FORMER COUNCILLORS 2015 - 2019

Members considered presenting the former Councillors who served a term of office between 2015-2019 with a Town Shield at the Mayor Introduction Ceremony.

Councillor Bushby indicated that a Shield recognising Councillor Langmead should also be presented.

Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the former Councillors who served a term of office between 2015-2019, including Councillor Langmead, be presented with a Town Shield (at the Mayor Introduction Ceremony).

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)

24.    TAW AND TORRIDGE ESTUARY FORUM MEETING

Councillor Johns stated that there was nothing to report.

25.    BIDEFORD TOWN CENTRE PARTNERSHIP

Councillor Bushby explained the concept of the postcode gardener and the (neglected) areas within the Town including car parks where they worked. Suggested further areas for attention can be passed to the TDC Officer, Mr Fuller, who is responsible for the Project.

Members noted the Minutes from the Meeting held on 18 April 2019.

26.   TORRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL – UPDATE

Councillor Christie advised that the new Council posts had been populated and the Membership List issued.

27.   BRIDGE TRUST

Councillor Christie briefed Members on the income, expenditure, charitable donations and grants figures.

 

The business of the meeting having been concluded the Mayor thanked the members for their attendance at the meeting which concluded at 7.52 pm.


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