| Town Council minutes 15 April 2009 |
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MINUTES OF A MEETING OF AMPTHILL TOWN COUNCIL held at the Council Offices,66 Dunstable Street, Ampthill on Wednesday 15th April 2009 at 7.30pm Present: Councillors: G Summerfield (Chairman), Mrs S A Bacon, P A Eversley, R A Holden, G Pascal, M A Smith, R Tebbutt, Mrs A M Wright, Mrs M E Wilson and Dawn Sutherns, Clerk. Also present was 1 member of the public. 342. Apologies There were apologies from Cllrs R Chappell (ill health). P A Duckett, (work commitment) and Mrs P K Foster (away on holiday). Cllr R Holden gave members an update on Cllr Chappell’s condition; he has received a hormone injection that is used to fight the cancer and will be seeing his Consultant on 8th June to see how things are going. He sends his best wishes. In himself Cllr Chappell is in good form. 343. Public Participation There had been no requests to speak recorded. 344. Report from P.C. Element on behalf of Bedfordshire Police. P.C Element was not in attendance for this evenings meeting. 345. To receive and record declarations of interest, whether personal or prejudicial. Cllrs G Summerfield and M Smith declared an interest in the application for funding from the Ampthill Festival Committee as they both sit on the Committee; they indicated that they would not vote on this matter. Cllr P Eversley declared an interest in the item concerning the Rugby Club parking as he is a member of the Club. Cllr R Tebbutt declared an interest an the item contained in the report from the Parks Open Spaces and Burial Ground Committee relating to the matter of the Firework Display as he is a member of the Ampthill & District Lions and was not present at the meeting to declare his interest at that time. 346. Town Mayor’s Announcements. Cllr G Summerfield commenced by advising that the Town Council were sad to hear of the loss of Mr John Stoddart. Mr Stoddart had been committed to community work in the town; he used actions rather than words and was a very nice man to know. The Service to celebrate his life will take place on Thursday 16th April at 12.30pm. Cllr G Summerfield then went on to give details of events attended: · 23rd March 2009 The Mayors Chinese Meal at the Dew Drop Inn, Dunstable Street. 80 people attended and an approximate total of £500 profit was made. · 29th March 2009 Bedfordshire County Council thanksgiving and beating of the retreat. · 30th March 2009 High Sheriff’s Local Hero Awards ceremony; two ladies from Ampthill received awards, Doreen Stoddard and Sophie Dackombe, Doreen was unable to attend, but her award will be forwarded to her . · 3rd April 2009 Kempston Mayor’s Charity Dinner. · 8th April 2009 Annual Town Meeting. Cllr G Summerfield reminded Councillors of his Spring Lunch to be held this Sunday, he advised that there are a few tickets left. Members were advised that the next Joint Council’s BEAR Project meeting will be held in Ampthill in the Council Chamber on Tuesday 5th May 2009 at 7.00pm. 347. To confirm and sign as a true record the minutes of the Council meeting held on 18th February 2009 pages 81 to 88 The minutes having been circulated prior to this meeting were taken as read; Minute no 312, page 91; the lighting column was a single and not a double light that was removed, this is to be amended. The minutes as amended were then signed as a true copy. To consider matters arising from previous Town Council minutes as appended in Clerk’s report for information purposes and for noting only 348. Church Avenue Problems (see minute no 311)Mr David Bowie is to meet with the Highways Working Group on Monday 20th April at 6pm. There has been no response from Mr Harney in relation to the request for a timescale for construction of the car park. 349. Police report –CCTV lighting in Zig Zags (see minute no 312)An e-mail has been sent to Robby Holgate of Stevenage Borough Council and Ian Moore of Quadrant requesting that the lighting be upgraded; there has been no response to date. 350. Fire Safe (see minute no 318)The safe has not yet been ordered. 351. District Councillors report – Mr John Philippson (see minute no 324) The letter has been sent to Mr Philippson, signed by the Mayor wishing him all the best for the future. 352. Power of Well Being training (see minute 331) The training has been booked for Monday 8th June 2009 at 7.30pm to 9.30pm, it is imperative that 80% of the Council is in attendance. A Member pointed out that the 8th June is a Christmas Lights Committee meeting and therefore six members would not be in attendance. Resolved that the Clerk rearranges a date for the training. 353. Councillors Surgery 28th March (see minute no 334) Despite many attempts to contact Mr Martin, manager of Waitrose, there was no success and the Surgery did not take place. Cllr Holden advised that he had spoken to Mr Martin who advised that he had not received any of the e mails or letters sent and therefore asked for copies. Mr Martin assured Cllr Holden that the dates submitted should be okay. Mr Martin leaves the branch on Friday and the new Manager is called Paul Taylor. 354. Around the Pump (see minute no 329) A member noted that the latest edition of Around the Pump has not been uploaded to the Website. 355. To consider matters arising from the Town Meeting held on 8th April 2009 and any actions required. The only two action coming from the meeting were to send Mr A Northey a copy of the full estimates for the 2009/2010 Council expenditure, which has been done, and for the Parks Open Spaces and Burial Ground Committee to consider taking a sample of the rocks along the carriage drive in The Park, to establish age. Cllr Summerfield thanked those Councillors who had attended and advised that he thought it was a very good meeting with two more members of the public attending than last year. 356. Treasurers Report (a) Budget Comparison March 2009 (b) Current Balances March 2009 Resolved that the reports be noted. A member raised the issue of the Council taking more notice of the budget comparisons therefore the information will not be included in the Treasurers Reports in future but as a separate agenda item to consider the budget comparison. It was also: Resolved that an item be placed on the Finance and General Purposes Committee agenda for 6th May, “To consider the way in which a Business Plan could be drawn up to ensure the Council is working in a positive way to attract income streams” A question was raised on why there are no figures set against the Greensand Trust expenditure. The Clerk advised that there had been no budget set within the estimates for 2008/2009. A question was raised on the Internal Audit report and the Clerk advised that this would be forwarded to the Town Council next week in order that it can come to the Finance & General Purposes Committee meeting on 6th May. 357. To consider the payment of all monies on the list of aged creditors to the 31st March 2009 Resolved that all monies on the schedule as appended to these minutes be paid. 358. To consider the payment of all monies on the list of aged creditors to the 14th April 2009 Resolved that all monies on the schedule as appended to these minutes be paid. In relation to the sum of £500 for professional time on the Christopher Garrand Consultancy invoice, this relates to the preparation of the two sets of large display boards on behalf of the Town Council, collation of the contents, delivery of the information and collection of the boards from the printers on the day of the Annual Town Meeting, there is no charge for the evenings attendance. Regarding Christopher Garrand’s talk at the Annual Town Meeting it was felt that a slightly longer talk could be given to the Council. Resolved that the Clerk contact Mr Garrand to thank him for his attendance at the Annual Town Meeting and to establish if he is willing to make a presentation to the Council and whether there would be a fee for this service. 359. Donations Ampthill & District Camera Club application for a grant under section 145 of the Local Government Act 1972 in the sum of £500 to support an open day on 6th June. The Council felt that more information was needed, to be able to make a decision, than was already provided on the application. It was therefore: Resolved that the Clerk write to the Ampthill & District Camera Club to invite them to attend the May Town Council meeting to talk through the application in greater depth. Ampthill Festival Committee application for a grant under section 145 of the Local Government Act 1972 in the sum of £1,500 to support the Festival Day entertainment. Members advised that the Festival is an important occasion in the year for the community and as such the council are happy to continue to support the Committee in providing the event. Resolved that the sum of £1,500 be awarded; £1,000 towards Gala Day and £500 towards the Proms in the Park. To approve and adopt the Committee reports as follows: 360. Planning Committee meeting of 31st March 2009. Cllr 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. Cllr R Holden advised Members that the planning conditions have now been set for the Gas House Lane development. Within the dwellings to be built on the site there is to be a total of 65% of 28% of the development that will be social affordable housing. The car park opening hours have been extend to include Sunday opening between 9am and 10.00pm 361. Parks, Open Spaces and General Purposes Committee meeting of 1st April 2009 pages 1 to 5 Cllr Mrs Wilson 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. A Member gave information in relation to the Firework display as detailed in minute no 90, in previous years the bonfire has taken up half of the preparation time and has caused a third of the problems with clearing up afterwards, it was felt that the Council should be mindful of that fact before any action is taken to grant a licence. To approve and adopt the Working Party reports as follows: 364. Highway Safety Working Group meeting of 19th March 2009. Resolved that the report be adopted. Cllr G Summerfield advised that the meeting with Mr David Bowie of Central Bedfordshire is set for Monday 20th April at 6pm. 365. Aragon Day Working Group meeting of 25th March 2009. Resolved that the report be adopted. Cllrs Mrs M Wright and R Holden met with the Aragon Day Committee to talk through the Town Council’s ideas of working with them on the occasion of the 500th anniversary and the rededication of Katherine’s Cross. The ideas were very well received and the start at the Cross can be a little later, meeting at 10.00am for a 10.15pm start. The original plans for Aragon Day events in the Town Centre can start once the procession comes down from the Park. Resolved that another date is set for a follow up meeting of the Working Group 366. Joint meeting between Town Councillors and Friends of the Kings Arms Path Garden of 25th March 2009. An amendment is to be made to the report to record the Council’s idea for the Garden to be open on Farmers Market days. Resolved that the report be adopted as amended. A Member suggested that instead of having one advert in Around the Pump for volunteers to help in the Garden a list of all groups needing Volunteers could be included for people to choose from.Cllr G Summerfield advised that he had promised the Friends of the Garden that they would be included in the next edition. Resolved that the suggestion of a list of groups seeking volunteers be considered by the Around the Pump Working Group. Mr Keenan has provided the name of a Garden Consultancy Business in Maulden, called Flora Arcana, if the Council wish to act upon the long term suggestion within the management plan. This will be put to the Parks, Open Spaces and Burial Grounds Committee to consider at their next meeting. Written Meeting Debriefings: 367. Visit to EWLA/Shanks East London Resolved that the report be noted. 368. Minutes of the CCTV Liaison Meeting held at the Town Council Chamber Biggleswade on 12th March 2009 Resolved that the report be noted. It was further: Resolved that:i) P.C Element be requested to provide details in his monthly report on Town Centre incidents and whether any incidents have been caught on CCTV. ii) An article is to be placed in Around the Pump to advise residents that if any incidents are seen the Police are to be advised of what happened at what time and where the nearest CCTV camera is situated. 369. To consider the Town & Parish Partnership Fund scheme 2009-2010. A sum of £10,000 has been allocated to Ampthill to use for repairs to local footpaths and carriageways that provide better access to facilities, shops, schools etc. Members felt that is would be prudent to wait until after the meeting with Mr Bowie on 20th April, to make any decisions, as work may be identified at that meeting that could be funded via this scheme. 8.46pm Standing Orders were suspended to allow a resident to address the Council. Members were advised that the broken concrete path up to Houghton House is part of the Greensand Ridge. 8.47pm Standing Orders were resumed. Cllr Mrs M Wilson advised that she had received a message to say that Patrick Connolly the Area Steward for Central Bedfordshire has asked to meet for a walkabout to look at the work identified via the scheme, she will arrange this meeting after 20th April. Resolved that this matter be placed on the Finance & General Purposes Committee agenda to reconsider, once discussions have taken place with the Officer from Central Bedfordshire. 370. To consider the future use of the Nottingham Rooms in relation to the current condition of the building. The Clerk had provided Members with a copy of the booking list for March showing that the Nottingham Rooms are used most days.Concern was voiced over the poor condition of the building and the lack of disabled friendly areas. Resolved that Mr G Carr, the Town Council’s Handyman, be requested to draw up a report on work that would need doing to bring the Nottingham Rooms up to an acceptable standard, this work could then be costed and considered on a priority basis for implementation. 371. To consider a proposal to offer parking at Parkside for local business (Cllr Pascal) Members were advised that the Parkside car park is under the control of the Trustees and as such it would be their decision on whether to allow parking during the day. Twice in the past this has been tried, but there was little uptake. This does mean that it should not be tried again now that the parking restraints are in the town car park. A member suggested that if the fencing was removed round the netball courts this would free up more parking space. Maybe Waitrose would be able to sponsor Parkside Hall in return for their staff parking in the car park. All these matters would need to be considered by the Parkside Committee and therefore it was: Resolved that the Clerk arranges an informal meeting between Roberta Calvert and a few Councillors to talk through the possibilities. 372. To appoint representatives to attend a seminar at the Rufus Centre on Local Working Together on Tuesday 28th April 2009 from 2.00pm to early evening. Resolved that Cllr R Holden will attend. Any other Councillor wishing to attend this seminar can let the Clerk know. 373. To consider the adoption of the amended Allotment Tenancy Agreement. Members had been provided with a copy of the draft agreement, it was suggested that the agreement be sectioned into two parts, the first being legal requirement and the second being tenants responsibilities. Resolved that the amended Allotment Tenancy Agreement is to be adopted as amended above. 374. To consider contracting a company to repair the broken drain at Everitts Field Allotments .Members were advised that it would be better to ask a Contractor who has experience of mole drains to carry out an inspection and give a price for any remedial work necessary. Mr D Moules of the Allotment Association is happy to help identify such a Contractor. Resolved that Vicki Francis contact Mr Moules to talk this matter through and then arranges for an inspection to be carried out and quotation to be sought. 375. To consider the problem of Rugby Club parking on match days (Cllr Mrs Wright) Cllr Mrs M Wright advised that a few weeks ago there had been a big match on at the Rugby Club and the West Car Park in the Park was completely taken up by vehicles of visitors to the Rugby. On Sunday mornings the Juniors have training and vehicles are parked all along the grass verges in Woburn Street. Whilst it is encouraging to see the Rugby Club increasing its membership it would be beneficial to have an informal meeting to talk the problems of parking out to see if the Town Council can come to an arrangement with the Rugby Club that will protect the grass verges. Resolved that the Clerk writes to Mr D Williams of the Rugby Club to seek an informal meeting between him and a few Councillors, this could be held on a Saturday morning before a match. Cllrs G Summerfield, Mrs M Wilson and Mrs M Wright will attend the meeting. 376. Correspondence · Notification that Mrs Barbara Morris has been appointed Assistant Director Legal and Democratic and Monitoring Services for Central Bedfordshire. Mrs Morris will have five Deputy Monitoring Officers. · Direct Information Service nos 704 & 705. · Clerks and Councils Direct March 2009 · Beds-Spread March 2009 · Pasque Matters Spring 2009 · Invitation from Nadine Dorries MP to a meeting on 6th May at Woburn Safari Lodge commencing at 8.00pm to 8.15pm to discuss development in Mid Bedfordshire Resolved that all items be noted and that Cllr G Pascal will attend the meeting on 6th May. Other Councillors will be attending the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting. 377. Press Releases Cllr G Pascal advised that he has one press release on hold relating to the Aragon Day events at Katherine’s Cross which he will do nearer the date. The Clerk advised that she had made a statement to the Beds on Sunday relating to the deer issue in Ampthill Park as follows: “Muntjac deers are breeding in Ampthill Park, when deer have young they will protect them as would any species. The Town Council would respectfully request that dog owners do not allow their dogs to enter into the wooded areas unrestrained; this is both to protect the dogs and stop them disturbing the young deer. Henry VIII introduced deer into the Park back in the 16th Century and if the deer are respected as being a natural part of the wildlife in the park there should be no further problems.Signs are being erected by the Town Council warning dog owners that the deer are breeding.” 378. To consider a motion 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 property it is advisable in the public interest that the public and press be temporarily excluded and that they are instructed to withdraw” 379. This minute is appended for Members only To approve the confidential minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 21st February 2009 pages 99 & 100.380. This minute is appended for Members only To approve the confidential minutes of the Parks, Open Spaces and Burial Ground Committee held on 1st April 2009 pages 6 & 7 There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.28pm CHAIRMAN DATED |