| Town Council 21 Jan 09 |
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MINUTES OF A MEETING OF AMPTHILL TOWN COUNCIL held at the Council Offices,66 Dunstable Street, Ampthill on Wednesday 21st January 2009 at 7.30pm Present: Councillors: G Summerfield (Chairman), Mrs S A Bacon, R A D Chappell, P Duckett, Mrs P K Foster, R A Holden, G Pascal, M A Smith, Mrs M E Wilson Mrs A M Wright and Dawn Sutherns, Clerk. Also present were P.C. Element and 3 members of the public. 244. ApologiesThere were apologies from Cllr P A Eversley (unwell) and Cllr R Tebbutt (holiday) for this evening’s meeting. 245. Report from P.C. Element on behalf of Bedfordshire Police. P.C Element gave a report containing the following information: § Anti Social Behaviour incidents have fallen over December. § There have been three house burglaries. § All four thefts from motor vehicles could have been avoided if people had not left valuables in view. § There were two incidents of violent crime, one being carried out by a person already on Pub Watch; this person is to be arrested. § There is a spate of childish drawing of body parts being seen around the town, the Police are patrolling to try and catch whoever is doing this. § Drug related incidents amounted to four; two people have been arrested and the other two cautioned. § The Youth Night Club starts at the Cellar Bar on Wednesday 28th January. § There had been a problem with the two Special Police Officers not being happy with what they were being asked to do by their Line Manager, this has been solved by P.C Element taking over management for the two Officers and they now work for the Safer Neighbourhood Team. Members then raised the following matters and questions. § Are there figures to back up how many incidents have been caught on CCTV? This information is needed to be able to tell residents what value they are getting for their money. § The camera in the Zig Zags has a better picture in the day time now; the Bowls Club have reported that they have not had any problems since the camera has been installed. § A spate of criminal damage is occurring in the Alameda Road area; this area is poorly lit and lends itself to this type of activity. P.C Element advised that he would ensure the area was patrolled at night. § P.C Element was advised that a Police car was parked on the yellow lines outside the Nat West Bank and the Officer in full uniform was using the cash point. P.C Element was asked to remind his Officers that they should set an example and use the car park. § The area around Tavistock Avenue is becoming congested around 3.30pm when pupils from Redborne School are being picked up. P.C Element advised he would keep this in mind. § A Local Estate Agent is parking their car right across the ramps to cross Bedford Street. P.C Element is to keep an eye on this. § The camera in the Park is proving effective; the number of young people using the Park at night has reduced. § A resident of 22 Bedford Street has found an Ampthill sign in his back garden; this is to be collected as soon as possible. P.C Element was thanked for attending and then left the meeting. 246. To receive and record declarations of interest, whether personal or prejudicial. Cllr Mrs M Wright declared an interest in an item relating to Barry Wright Partnership as this is her Husband. Cllrs G Summerfield, M Smith, P Duckett and R Chappell all declared an interest in the application for a grant from the Full House Theatre Group as the applicant is personally known to them. Cllr M Smith declared an interest in the application for as grant from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau as he is a Trustee. 247. Town Mayor’s Announcements. Cllr G Summerfield gave the following information: 22nd December 2008 Carols around the Tree. It is to be noted that a better PA system is needed next year. 24th December 2008 St Andrew’s Church Service. 10th January: Rotary Club Race Night, a cheque was presented towards the Mayors Fund for £450, this being half of the money raised through the Tree of Light. 18th January 2008 Dunstable Civic Service. Cllr Summerfield then reminded Members of his next two fund raising events: the Wine Tasting on Friday 30th January and the Valentine Ball on 14th February. 248. To confirm and sign as a true record the minutes of the Council meeting held on 17th December 2008 pages 64 to 69 The minutes having been circulated prior to this meeting were taken and read; The minutes were then signed as a true copy. To consider matters arising from previous Town Council minutes 249. BEAR Project (see minute no 196) An invitation has been sent to all neighbouring parish councils and most have responded that they would be pleased to meet up again; the 22nd of January is scheduled for the joint meeting. Donations: 250. FULL HOUSE THEATRE COMPANY Application for a grant of £1,000 under Section 145 of the Local Government Act 1972, support of the Arts, towards an open air theatre project in Ampthill Park. Members of the Full House Theatre Company addressed the Council on the grant application with the following information being given: § The group was founded back in 2001 in London and was then brought back to Bedfordshire. § The Company is a registered charity and does professional touring work, producing family productions and working with schools. § The Ampthill Park project will be an open air theatre production as it is part of a number of projects based on heritage sites in Bedfordshire. § The production will be totally new and will use the natural features of the Park as the stage. There will be one performance from eight actors to approximately around 450 to 500 people. The area to be used will be around the side of the Cricket Club. § Ticket prices will be approximately £10 and £7.00. § There will not be seats, picnics and rugs etc will be encouraged. Public conveniences are factored into the cost of £18,280. § The project hinges on the Awards for All funding being granted. Resolved that the sum of £1,000 be awarded to the Full House Theatre Company on the proviso of the confirmation of the Awards for All grant being received. 251. MID BEDFORDSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Application for a grant under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972, of up to £1,000 towards an outreach service to elderly, disabled or vulnerable people. Resolved that Ampthill Town Council is proud to support this worthwhile service and a grant of £1000 is to be awarded as requested. 252. Treasurers Report Budget Comparison December 2008 Current Balances December 2008The Clerk advised that a letter will be sent to those Suppliers with whom Credit Notes are held to request that a cheque is issued for these amounts.To receive a copy of the Internal Audit effectiveness review to be adopted by Ampthill Town Council in May. Resolved that all reports be noted It was also: Resolved that an item is to be placed onto the next Finance, Policy and General Purposes Committee to consider investigating the sewer emptying cost now that the Park toilets are closed. 253. To approve the executive action taken to agree to the additional fees in relation to Barry Wright Partnership work on the first floor plans for the Visitors Centre in the sum of £1,975. Members were advised that Mr Wright had required agreement to the additional fees before sending the plans to Mid Beds District Council. Resolved that the executive action taken be approved. 254. To consider the payment of all monies on the list of aged creditors to the 14th January 2009 An additional sheet of outstanding invoices to 20th January was also considered. Resolved that all monies on the reports be paid. 255. To pass a resolution to employ Landers Accountants of Toddington to act as the Town Council’s Internal Auditor, fees for any work over and above auditing would be charged at £114 per hour or less, no work would be carried out before being passed by the Town Council. There is no problem with the Town Council’s accounting systems and record keeping not meeting the “excellent” standard required. Resolved that Landers Accountants of Toddington be appointed as the Town Council’s Internal Auditors. To approve and adopt the Committee reports 256. Planning Committee of 6th January 2009Councillor R Holden presented the report of the meeting to Members of the Council and asked for their adoption. Resolved: that the report be approved and signed as a true copy. Councillor Holden advised members that after the meeting had finished Members had been asked to look at the plans drawn up on behalf of the Town Council for the Visitors Centre and in particular decide what type of roof tiles were required.Members came to the conclusion that the plans were to be submitted using artificial slates for the roofing. I t was also: Resolved that Cllr Holden represents the Town Council at Mid Beds District Council when the application for the proposed Oliver Street development is heard by the Development Committee. 257. Finance, Policy and General Purposes Committee of 7th January 2009 Councillor G Summerfield presented the report of the meeting to Members of the Council and asked for their adoption. A Member raised a comment on the information relating to Landers Accountants and their involvement with local schools contained in minute no 4. Resolved: That the report be approved and signed as a true copy and that the Clerk will obtain information as to which schools Landers Accountants deal with. 258. Highways Working Party of 14th January Councillor G Summerfield presented the report of the meeting to Members of the Council and asked for their adoption. A Member requested that “Changing the position within the car park of the Charter Market” be added to minute no 4 as it had been omitted. Resolved: that the report be approved as amended and signed as a true copy. As a matter of information Cllr Mrs Wilson advised that in relation to access to buildings in the town, Miss Gibbs is able to comfortably access approximately five buildings. It was also: Resolved that an item be placed onto the next Highways Working Party “To consider how the junction onto the A507 at Woburn Street can be improved” 259. County and District Councillor Communication.County Cllr Summerfield gave the following details: § At the recent Scrutiny Committee meeting the BEAR project was discussed. The actual tendering procedure has a further two years to go, following that the successful Contractor will have another year to get the planning approved and there will be another two years to build the plant. If the tender shows a plant with a capacity of 50 megawatts or above it planning will be determined by the Secretary of State. A smaller plant will be determined by Central Bedfordshire. § Figures given for the new recycling collection show that percentages will be higher than last year. The food waste scheme is very successful, but shows just how much food is wasted. § During the recent cold snap a number of residents have been contacting Cllr Summerfield to try and get roads and pavements salted. The response from County Council was that if a lorry cannot access the road it is too labour intensive to do the salting by hand. Members discussed this matter and it was: Resolved that an item be placed on the next Highways Working Group “To consider compiling an action plan to be put to the Unitary Council whereby Parish and Town Councils have a means of getting salting done in minor roads and along pavements” District Councillor Smith gave the following details: § The Executive meeting held on 20th January looked at the logistics of where personnel will be placed after 1st April 2009. The existing Mid Beds and South Beds Offices will be used as well as County Hall; each Unitary Council will have separate floors. It is the intention to migrate Central Beds staff away from the Bedford Borough staff as soon as possible. As there are two large empty buildings in Ampthill at the moment it may be possible for the Town Council to suggest that these are brought back into use. It was then: Resolved that the Clerk writes to Central Beds Shadow Council to suggest that to enhance the economy in the town and bring disused buildings back into productive use, negotiations are entered into with the Developers. § The latest plans in relation to the new Flitwick Leisure Centre are giving a site on Maulden Road as the location. 260. Written Meeting Debriefings for note. Friends of Ampthill’s Christmas Lights meeting 17th November 2008 Resolved that the report be noted. Revamp meeting held on 11th December 2009. Resolved that a joint meeting be scheduled between the Town Council and Revamp on a date in February. Public meeting at Marston Moretaine in relation to the BEAR Project held on Tuesday 13th January 2009 Resolved that the report be noted. 261. To review the public opening hours of the Town Council Offices Currently as per Council policy:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10.00am to 3.00pm, Wednesday 10.00am to 6.30pm. This item fell as Cllr Eversley who asked that this be placed on the agenda was not present. It will be placed onto next months agenda 262. Councillor G Pascal is to provide the Council with his ideas on communication methods and how they could be used to promote a positive image of the Council. Cllr Pascal advised Members that he felt that the Council could do a lot more to promote the work that is being done. Members of the public are unaware of what goes on.The local press could and should be used to reflect positive news; articles could be drawn up after reflection at the end of the Town Council meetings. Cllr Pascal is happy to assist with this. Cllr Pascal was thanked for his offer of assistance and it was then: Resolved that an item be placed as the last item on the Town Council agenda to consider Press Release. 263. To consider the summary document for the Ampthill and Flitwick Green Infrastructure Plans and provide ideas and comments for feedback to the Greensand Trust by 2nd February 2009 Members had been provided with a copy of the document. A few comments were made as follows: § The circular walks are to be commended. § A cycle way to link Ampthill and Flitwick would be beneficial. § The whole of Coopers Hill should be identified as an Area of Scientific Interest. The Clerk requested that any further comments be given to her before the end of January. 264. To consider a suggestion from a local resident to provide a shuttle service from the Town Centre to Flitwick railway station. Members had been provided with a copy of the correspondence. Members discussed this matter before it was: Resolved that the Clerk responds to the letter and advises that the Town Council have no powers over local transport, however there is a very comprehensive bus timetable that links Ampthill and Flitwick and a time table is to be provided for the Gentleman. It is to be advised that this matter could be raised with the Central Bedfordshire Unitary Council after their inception on 1st April. 265. Cllr R Holden then made the following proposal: “That following so many vehicles failing to stop for pedestrians on the crossings both in Church Street and Bedford Street Ampthill Town Council ask County Highways and or Central Bedfordshire, the successor authority, to urgently install the flashing beacons on posts with the “white” rings illuminated to better highlight the existence of these much used crossings” The proposal was seconded and a positive vote taken making the proposal a resolution of the Council. It was also: Resolved that any fly posters around the poles in the Town Centre are to be removed. 266. To approve the executive action taken in relation to a letter sent to Margaret Beckett MP regarding the proposed Eco Town at Marston Mortaine. Members were provided with a copy of the letter as appended to these minutes. Resolved that the executive action be approved. 267. To approve Cllr G Pascal attending both a meeting of Beds Councils Planning Consortium meeting on 29th January and between the Housing Minister and Beds Councils Planning Consortium at the House of Commons on 25th February Resolved that approval be given for Cllr Pascal to attend both meetings. Cllr Pascal advised that a submission is to be made to the second stage of the consultation of the Planning Policy Statement by 6th March. He will draw up a document to be approved by the Town Council at the meeting of 18th February and it can be considered by all Members as an agenda item. 268. Correspondence a) An invitation for a representative from the Town Council to attend a Farewell Reception for Bedfordshire Town & Parish Councils at Bedfordshire County Hall on Tuesday 10th March 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Members had been provided with a copy of this item of correspondence. Resolved that Cllr Holden attends the Reception b) Information on the Recycling scheme being expanded as from 12th January to include Paper, Cardboard and Cartons, All plastic food packaging, metal packaging and worn out textiles. Members had been provided with a copy of this item of correspondence. There was a discussion on whether all the items identified can be placed into the recycling bins and bags; the answer was given in the affirmative. Resolved that:i) As there may be households that have not received the information the Clerk is to make a request of the County Council for a quantity of the leaflets to be kept in the Town Council offices. ii) An article is to be placed in the next edition of Around the Pump to explain the new scheme. A ll following items can be obtained from the Clerk: c) Direct Information Service Issue nos 698 and 699. d) Clerks and Councils Direct, January 2009 e) Local Council Review January 2009 f) Creating Central Bedfordshire Stakeholder update December 2009. g) Mid Beds Standards Board for England bulletin 41. h) Communities in Control: Real People, Real Power, Code of recommended practice on local authority publicity, a consultation will run until 12th March 2009. A copy is provided for Councillors. Comments to be back to the Clerk by Monday 9th March please. i) Bedfordshire Bugle , January 2009 269. The following motion was passed to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting. “That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted relating to staff and policing matters, it is advisable in the public interest that the public and press be temporarily excluded and that they are instructed to withdraw” 270. To approve the confidential minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 17th December 2008 page 70 This minute is appended for Members only 271. To receive a copy of the Performance Reviews for the four Park Staff. This minute is appended for Members only 272. To receive a copy of the Performance Review for the Town Clerk This minute is appended for Members only There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.50pm CHAIRMAN DATED
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