| Town Council Minutes 16 September |
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MINUTES OF A MEETING OF AMPTHILL TOWN COUNCIL held at the Council Offices, 66 Dunstable Street, Ampthill on Wednesday 16th September 2009 at 7.30pm Present: Councillors R A Holden (Chairman), Mrs S Bacon, R A D Chappell, P A Eversley Mrs P K Foster, G Pascal, M A Smith, G Summerfield, R Tebbutt, Mrs M E Wilson, Mrs M Wright and Dawn Sutherns, Clerk. Also present were six members of the public and P.C Paul Element.
There were no apologies received for this evenings meeting.
Councillors G Summerfield, M Smith and R Tebbutt declared a personal interest in the presentation on the Festival Plans as they are members of the Festival Committee.
Cllr G Summerfield declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the Visitors Centre item as the Company he works for are on the tender list for the project. Cllr Mrs M Wright declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the Visitors Centre item as her husband is the Architect.
Mr Yates gave a presentation as appended to these minutes. Questions raised provided the following information:
Resolved that an informal meeting is convened to talk through this matter in more depth with the representatives of the Community Safety Group.
Mr Stuart Palmer, the newly elected Chairman of the Festival Committee, gave a presentation on the plans to make the 30th Anniversary Festival bigger and better. Last year’s Proms were a great success and the Committee want to build on this momentum. With the aid of a plan showing the proposed area and its use is as appended to these minutes. Mr Palmer wished the Council to consider the feasibility of Maggs Field being used for such things as Classic Cars, Steam Engines, Military vehicles, Bungy Jump and Monster Trucks. At the moment this is very much in the early days of planning and matters such as vehicles getting stuck and cattle grazing are for future consideration. Members advised that it would be wonderful to see the proposed expansion take place, it was then: Resolved that the Town Council are content to see an expanded Festival and are happy for Maggs Field to be considered for use.
P.C Element gave the following information based on August figures:
P.C Element advised that a suspect has been apprehended following the local SNP targeting the cash point machines in Flitwick and Ampthill. Two European men were seen in the morning at a machine in Flitwick, one was caught and one got way. They were installing a skimming device. The person arrested was wanted by both Thames Valley and the Metropolitan Police and the Ampthill SNP have been commended for their actions. In relation to the three cars that were damaged at the back of the White Hart Hotel two people have been arrested and admitted all offences. The Children’s Home has now moved to Clophill. Members asked P.C Element to address the following items:
Councillor R Holden then thanked P.C Element for his assistance at the re-dedication of Katherine’s Cross and the reintroduction of the Firework Display. P.C Element advised that he will arrange for Special officers to be placed at Flitwick railway station to take alcohol from youths before they reach Ampthill Park.
Councillor R Holden gave the following information on his attendance at events: 16th July University of Bedford Degree Ceremony. 17th July High Sheriff’s Reception. 23rd July Royal visit of Princess Alexandra at the opening of the refurbished Cheshire Home. 25th July Rededication of Katherine’s Cross. 8th August Houghton Regis Mayor making. 9th August Dunstable Mayor making. 31st August Ferret racing at the Old Sun Public House £600 was raised for Charity. 6th September Ampthill’s Civic Service, it was a pleasure to present Cllr H Chappell with his Roll of Honour. Forthcoming events: 12th October Charity Italian Dinner. 6th November Firework Display. 8th November Remembrance Sunday. 21st December Carol’s Around the Christmas tree.
The minutes having been circulated to Members prior to the meeting were taken as read. An amendment is to be made to the minute no 70 to advise that Cllr Mrs Wright declared a prejudicial interest not a personal interest The minutes were then signed as amended as a true copy.
The minutes having been circulated to Members prior to the meeting were taken as read. The minutes were then signed as a true copy. Matters arising from previous minutes for note.
As requested at the Town Council meeting on 15th July a letter was sent to Central Bedfordshire to enquire whether they are able and willing to act as a mediator and if so for a meeting to be set up with Licencees, Police and interested parties. A response was received which says "Central Bedfordshire Council as the licensing authority are unable to mediate in this matter" as a consequence we have not been idle, but have sought the view of the Ampthill Community Safety Chairman. John Plummer has today replied that he is "happy to take things forward" and is getting a meeting arranged with residents as the first step. John Plummer will probably be working from the problem solving process called SARA. In the meantime there is still absolutely no reason why anybody who alleges that the White Hart is a problem to them cannot fill in a licence review form which is available on Central Bedfordshire's website.
The quote has now been received for additional cameras:
A quote has also been given to upgrade the Park camera from 3G to fibre conversion £16,506. These figures will be kept for the October estimates meeting. Councillor G Pascal advised that at the recent Church Street Residents Group it was felt that the cost of an additional camera in this location was too high to warrant one being installed.
An email has been received from Punch Taverns to advise that the fence is being erected in an attempt to revive this activity and form a secure enclosure for families to use. The area has been unkempt for some years, but now houses the Farmers Market on a monthly basis. The Operator plans to organise other activities in this area, such as family barbeques, and this fence will assist in monitoring who has access. The fence has been erected between 1.5 and 2 metres inside the boundary this gives clear access for a mower, the concerns of the Town Council will be passed onto the Lessee in order to keep the area tidy. It was: Resolved that the Clerk contacts Punch Taverns again to request that the chain link fence is repaired on health and safety grounds.
Members were provided with a copy of a letter from Central Bedfordshire advising that they are now able to send a representative to a meeting to discuss Town Centre Disturbances. Cllr R Holden advised that John Plummer as Chairman of the Community Safety Group is using the Police system of SARA to hold a meeting with residents on 28th September. Resolved that the Clerk contacts John Plummer to: i) Advise that Cllr G Summerfield and Cllr P Duckett as Central Bedfordshire Councillors would like to attend the meeting. ii) Request an attendees list. iii) Obtain information of the SARA system.
Members were provided with the reports as appended to these minutes on the Current Balances for 31st July 31st August 2009.
Members were provided with the report as appended to these minutes. Resolved that the Clerk is to provide details of the Mayors Expenses and vire £500 from the Park budget into hospitality to cover the Katherine’s Cross event.
Members were provided with the report as appended to these minutes. Resolved that approval be given to the Executive action taken.
Members were provided with the report as appended to these minutes. Resolved that all monies on the list of invoices are paid.
Ampthill Town Band A letter of thanks has been received from Ampthill Town Band for the £1,000 grant received. Grant Request from Hospice at Home Volunteers for a sum of £300 towards a replacement wheelchair Under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 Members had been provided with a copy of the grant application. Resolved that the sum of £300 be awarded under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 197. To approve and adopt the Committee report as follows:
Cllr G Summerfield asked Members to receive and adopt the Highways Safety Group held on Monday 7th September 2009. The minutes having been circulated to Members prior to the meeting were taken as read. The minutes were then signed as a true copy.
All reports having been copied to Members prior to the meeting were taken as read and noted on block. To consider any recommendations arising from the above reports. Meeting of Ampthill Charter Market Working Party 27th July 2009 Suggestions were made on more advertising and a different location in the car park. Members advised that Market Traders have voiced their concern about moving further into the car park as they would not be as visible. Resolved that: i. Vicki Francis continues to obtain information on signage and advertising along with the associated costs. ii. Cllr R Holden is to reconvene the meetings with the Waitrose Manager. Friends of Ampthill Christmas Lights 9th September Recommended to Ampthill Town Council that: a) Up to £8,500 (inc. £2,450 one off cost to set up new system) be spent on new Christmas lights; b) Negotiations be held with Lamps and Tubes to try and reduce the installation cost of the new system as £2,450 was considered very high; c) Written assurance from Lamps and Tubes that if we are investing in new equipment they store it appropriately and fit for future use; d) Query who is responsible for the insurance of the lighting system as it is stored with Lamps and Tubes. A lengthy discussion took place and a vote was taken on the proposal made: The Town Council agrees to a maximum sum of £7,500 for the new system subject to the covenants the sub committee has raised 7 for 3 against 1 abstention The majority vote being for it was then: Resolved that the Town Council agrees to a maximum sum of £7,500 for the new system subject to the covenants the sub committee has raised. It was further: Resolved that the Clerk is to arrange for a Town Council Officer and a Councillor to visit Lamps and Tubes to see how the lights from other towns are being stored. The Clerk advised that due to the building of the Visitors Centre the sheds needed to be removed from the Park. Therefore enquires were made with the Festival Committee to see whether they could re site the shed as it is currently used to store their equipment, no final decision had been taken as it had not been agreed with the Council. Cllrs G Summerfield, M Smith and R Tebbutt declared an interest as they are members of the Festival Committee. Councillor Eversley requested that the Council consider donating the shed to the younger people in the town. Members discussed whether it would be what the young people wanted and whether it would be feasible to use the shed for a young persons base. Young people initiatives tried in the past such as Escape to Xscape and the Shock youth club have failed through lack of use. It was: Resolved that a Young People’s Working Group meeting be called and that Jane Regan of Central Bedfordshire Council and representatives of the Rotary Club be invited to attend to discuss this matter in greater depth, Cllr P Eversley is also to be invited. The time being 10.15pm Cllr R Holden asked Members to decide how long the meeting should go on for: Resolved that the meeting carries on allowing all business to be completed.
Resolved that permission is not granted.
The Clerk advised that Mr Sayward is happy to continue. Resolved that the Town Council is happy for Mr Sayward to continue to trade on alternative Saturdays however there is to be no parking of his van on the Market Square as per the planning permission held.
Members have been provided with a copy of the briefing. After discussion it was: Resolved that the Clerk responds to advise that the Town Council cannot agree with what is being said as in the current economic climate things can change quickly. The Town Council would like to see Ampthill receiving the same support and interest as other places.
Resolved that subject to support from Bob Morwood the quote be accepted and the work scheduled.
Members were provided with a copy of the questionnaire. Resolved that Members provide the Clerk with their comments by Monday 21st September in order that she can compile them onto one sheet.
Resolved that the Clerk orders an Ordnance Survey Map Copying Licence for the sum of £55 per annum.
Suggested wording to be considered: ‘Ampthill Town Council remain committed to the rebuilding or major refurbishment of Parkside Hall and are happy to confirm that the sum of £150,000 has been placed in Reserves, the remaining sum of £145,000 will be available when definite plans have been agreed by the Parkside Hall Trustees and any relevant permission have been obtained.’ Resolved that this statement be placed on the Council’s Website and in the next edition of Around the Pump.
“That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted relating to staff and financial matters, it is advisable in the public interest that the public and press be temporarily excluded and that they are instructed to withdraw” To approve and adopt the confidential minutes of the following meetings:
This minute is appended for Members only. The minutes having been circulated to Members prior to the meeting were taken as read. The minutes were then signed as a true copy.
This minute is appended for Members only. The minutes having been circulated to Members prior to the meeting were taken as read. The minutes were then signed as a true copy.
This minute is appended for Members only.
i) Sickness ii) Office Staff Performance Reports. iii) To set arrangements to carry out the Clerk’s Performance Report. This minute is appended for Members only.
This minute is appended for Members only.
This minute is appended for Members only. There being no further business the meeting closed at 11.18pm. CHAIRMAN DATED
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