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HALSTEAD TOWN COUNCIL |
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DRAFT MINUTES OF FULL COUNCIL MEETING HALSTEAD, Essex. CO9 1ET
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Membership:
| Councillor D Hume | Chairman |
Present |
| Councillor Mrs J A Pell | Vice Chairman | Present |
| Councillor Mrs J Allen Councillor Mrs H W Catley |
Present Present |
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| Councillor Mrs S A Diver | Present | |
| Councillor M J Fincken | Present | |
| Councillor Mrs L J Hilton | Present | |
| Councillor S Kirby | Present | |
| Councillor Mrs K A Little | Present | |
| Councillor A Munday | Present | |
| Councillor K Paisley | Apologies | |
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Also in attendance: Stephen Wenlock BDC
Amanda Turburville BDC
Richard Parmee BDC
PCSO B Edwards
Mr M C Murkin – Town Clerk
Mrs J Smith – Minute Clerk
178. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apology received from Cllr K Paisley.
179. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr Mrs J A Pell declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 11 as is trustee (not yet constituted) of new community hall.
Cllr Mrs J A Pell declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 14 as is member of Halstead Residents Association who made submission to LGBCE
Cllr Mrs J A Pell declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 6, planning item no. 13/00270/FUL as Halstead Residents Association is account holder.
Cllr M Fincken declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 6, planning item no. 13/00270/FUL as customer of Bank
Cllr M Fincken declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no 14 as member of BDC Labour Group.
Cllr Mrs S Diver declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 14 as member of Halstead Residents Association
Cllr Mrs S Diver declared pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 6, planning item no. 13/00169/FUL as Agent is a family friend
Cllr Mrs S Diver declared pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 6, planning item no. 13/00272/LBC as Member of Royal British Legion Club
Cllr Mrs S Diver declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 6, planning item no. 13/00286/ADV as is a customer of Lloyds Bank
Cllr Mrs L Hilton declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 12 as member of Halstead Residents Association
Cllr Mrs L Hilton declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 6, planning item no. 13/00286/ADV as member of Halstead Residents Association
Cllr S Kirby declared non-pecuniary interest in all planning matters as he is member of Braintree District Council Planning Committee.
Cllr S Kirby declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 14 as member of BALC
Cllr Mrs J Allen declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 6, planning item no. 13/00286/ADV as customer of Lloyds Bank
Cllr Mrs J Allen declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 14 as member of B.D.C. Conservative Group
Cllr Mrs K Little declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item No. 14 as member of Halstead Residents Association
Cllr Mrs K Little declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda non 6, planning item no. 13/00286/ADV as customer of Lloyds Bank
Cllr Mrs H Catley declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 14 as member of Halstead Residents Association
Cllr Mrs H Catley declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 6, planning item no. 13/00286/ADV as customer of Lloyds Bank, also member of Halstead Residents Association who have an account with Lloyds Bank
Cllr A Munday declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 14 as member of Halstead Residents Association
Cllr A Munday declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item No. 6, planning item
No 13/00286/ADV as member of Halstead Residents Association who have an account with Lloyds Bank
Cllr D Hume declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item No. 14 as member of Halstead Residents Association
Cllr D Hume declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 6 planning item no. 13/00242/MMA as applicant is known to him
Cllr D Hume declared non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item no. 6 planning item no. 13/00286/ADV as Halstead Residents Association is customer of Lloyds Bank
180. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
There were no members of the public present
181. PRESENTATIONS
Prior to the presentation by Police Chairman explained that he had made contact with Local Inspector to discuss protocol but as there has been a change of personnel a meeting had not yet taken place.
- a) Police PCSO
He was happy to report that crime levels in Halstead remain at a low level, with 2 dwelling burglaries and 1 other burglary during the past month. There was one force entry and theft from motor vehicle with 3 other thefts; 2 from shops and 1 theft of fuel. There have been 2 reports of nuisance youths – one male drunk in High Street who was not charged but given advice and one instance of a group of youths in a street. There has been 1 report of nuisance from a neighbour – this was complaint of noise levels. PCSO said he would not be reporting on instances of domestic disturbances or of sudden deaths as these are sensitive matters. He had reports of youths gathering in Butler Road Car Park, but this was when the Youth Bus was attending, and crowd had dispersed by 10p.m.
Cllr M Fincken asked if there had been reports of problems at the Bluebridge Industrial Estate and if the area was patrolled.
PCSO Edwards said he had no reports of difficulties, and there were some patrols of the estate – not on a regular basis.
Chairman thanked PCSO Edwards for his report and PCSO Edwards left the meeting.
- b) Stephen Wenlock, Amanda Turburville and Richard Parmee, Landscape Services, BDC Stephen Wenlock explained that the main bulk of work on River Walk has been completed and therefore his role as Project Manager for the work is complete. There is, however, a small amount of cash remaining and discussions need to take place on how this should be spent. Stephen also expressed concerns about the future maintenance of the River Walk and hoped that a community action group can be formed to take this forward. Nick Day (BDC Parks & Landscapes Officer) has agreed to keep the area clear of brambles, etc. and Richard Parmee (BDC) will draw up a list of habitats in order that these can be maintained. It is planned that a public consultation will take place about what is required on the river walk – particularly concerning introduced planting; Amanda Turburville (BDC) will progress this consultation in the near future
With regard to the extra funding, businesses on the Broton Industrial Estate had requested that the entrance to the River Walk via the Estate be closed as anti-social behaviour is taking place further along the river that then tends to spill over into the Estate. It was not thought possible to completely close the gap, but a heavy, locked steel gate could be fixed and Stephen will speak to the Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor for BDC about this proposal. Money could also be spent on improving items such as benches and possibly purchasing tools for the community action group; any suggestions put forward would be taken into account.
Amanda said it was hoped that consultation could take place during the summer with a plan in place by next autumn.
Cllr Mrs J Pell expressed appreciation for the work done on the River Walk and said that it is a great asset to the Town. She asked if there would be a need for more interpretation boards, and it was agreed that this would be a good use of additional cash.
Cllr S Kirby asked about ownership of the Broton Industrial Estate and if the land owner could contribute to the proposed works. Stephen said that the brick wall is on the boundary of BDC land and that previous suggestions of funding by business owners had not been well received.
Cllr Mrs J Allen asked if there were enough dog bins on the River Walk, and Stephen said that in his opinion there are enough and responsible dog owners use them. He said there would be more signage about dog bins and penalties for dog fouling fixed to posts that have been installed.
Cllr Mrs H Catley said that in her opinion there was less dog fouling now, but that trees overhanging the river were causing litter build up
Stephen said that flood waters had caused some difficulties, but that BDC maintenance teams will endeavour to clear.
Cllr Mrs H Catley asked if anything could be done about the muddy area at the Parsonage Street entrance of the river walk, and was told that this is ECC land.
Cllr S Kirby suggested that perhaps some wild flower seeds could be given to those who want to plant on the river walk and it was suggested that perhaps an educational event could be arranged as part of the public consultation.
The Chairman thanked the BDC Team for their report and they left the meeting.
182. MINUTES. To approve the minutes of the Council meeting held on 14th February 2013.
Minutes were unanimously approved
183. PLANNING APPLICATIONS.
Cllr A Munday took the Chair for this part of the meeting
Cllr S Kirby left the meeting
13/00270/FUL – HSBC Bank plc, 16 High Street, Halstead, CO9 2AD. Replacement of existing ATM.
Members raised no objections provided the plans comply with policy regarding lighting in a conservation area.
13/00286/ADV – Lloyds TSB Bank, 68 High Street, Halstead, CO9 2JG. Display of internally illuminated and other various signs.
Members raised objections to the internally lit signs as they do not comply with policy regarding lighting in a conservation area.
13/00272/LBC – Royal British Legion Club, 13 The Causeway, Halstead, CO9 1ET. Alteration to existing store to form a new unisex disabled toilet with larger external entrance door. Existing office altered to store, new internal staircase to first floor to relocate office with Velux window to match existing and new flag pole.
Members raised no objections
13/00193/FUL – 4 Sloe Hill, Halstead, Essex. CO9 1JT. Proposed dropped kerb and off road parking area for two no. spaces including construction of retaining wall
Members raised no objections
13/00242/MMA – 27 Sudbury Road, Halstead, CO9 2BB. Application for minor material amendment to approved application 12/01143/FUL (Plans revised to make building length shorter by 2/36m, removal of roof lights and removal of window to front elevation) – Erection of pool house building around the perimeter of the existing swimming pool to rear garden.
Members raised no objections
Cllr Mrs S Diver left the meeting at this point
13/00169/FUL – 8 Sloe Hill, Halstead, Essex. CO9 1JT. Erection of two storey rear extension.
It was noted that an earlier application had been refused, and that Town Council had commented on this application. Delegated authority was given to Chair of Planning Cllr A Munday and Chairman D Hume to review this current application and make comments.
Post meeting note: Previously Town Council had raised no objections, although application was ultimately refused by BDC Planning. It was therefore agreed that Town Council should raise no objections to current application.
Cllr Mrs S Diver returned to the meeting
Cllr S Kirby returned to the meeting
Cllr D Hume resumed Chair of the meeting.
184. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
The report was noted.
185. FINANCE –
a) Financial Monitoring.
Report was noted.
b) Monthly Performance. –Report was noted
186. LIST OF PAYMENTS TO BE APPROVED
Cllr Mrs J Pell asked that when payments were made to Councillors, Officers or Staff this be noted on future reports.
Payments were unanimously approved.
187. CHRISTMAS OFFICE HOURS
Cllr Mrs J Pell asked about Statutory Days; the position regarding these days was explained.
Proposal was unanimously agreed.
188. COMMUNITY HALL
Cllr Mrs J Pell said she had read the lengthy contamination report and was pleased to see that there is little cause for concern. There are, however, some items regarding the Trust that need to be clarified:
- At present a sum of £5000 has been placed in a Bank Account to which former Trustees were signatees. This account will now have to be closed and a further account opened.
- It was questioned whether insurance for Trustees could be arranged through Town Council, but it was agreed that this could not happen.
- It was said that a Clerk would be required to work for the new Trust, and Cllr Pell asked how this Clerk could be paid – would it be from the £5000 already set aside? Cllr Hilton asked if now would be the time to request promised cash from BDC and it was agreed that a further meeting with Cllr Buckland and Cllr Mrs Beavis should be arranged. Cllr Mrs Pell asked if the Clerk could be paid through Town Council payroll, but it was said that the matter would have to be sub-contracted to the Town Council with funding reimbursed by the Trust.
- Cllr Pell said that the Trust would need headed notepaper and asked if it would be possible to use the Town Crest. This was agreed.
Cllr Mrs K Little asked if the Trustees could now be named; they are Mr B. Day, Ms J Abrams, Mr A Green, Mr D Isles, Mr A De Frates and Ms J Smith. It was said that they will meet later this month with Mayor and Town Clerk in attendance. It was said that when the Trust has agreed a Constitution this can be put to the Charity Commission and when agreed by the Commission and Donor land can then be released to the Trust. It was said that donor has asked for a covenant that land can never be used for housing and it was said that all current deeds have been, or will be checked. Clerk advised that there is a small strip of land on the perimeter of the site, and of Butler Road Car Park that is owned by ECC. They are willing to gift this land to the Trust and to Town Council. Cllr Mrs Hilton said that
C A Blackwell, her employers may be able to clear the land, free of charge, as part of their community effort – this was warmly welcomed by all Councillors.
It was noted that the recommendation on report was for members to note and agree to make a room, computer, telephone and internet access at no charge to the Trust.
It was said that computer access, telephone and internet access would not give any additional cost to Town Council and it was therefore agreed unanimously that a room, computer, telephone and internet access would be made available to the Trust at no charge but that other costs be logged and considered in due course.
Report was noted
189. YOUTH
It was reported that a grant of £2000 had been applied for a team building exercise and it was hoped to purchase some items that will use up remaining Town Council Budget for Youth before year end; Cllr Munday to speak to Clerk. It was said that the Youth Council will be entering a team for the Fun Run, but will not have a stall.
Chairman said he will try and attend the next YC meeting on 28th March.
Report was noted
190. CAR PARK
Details of the proposed hardware and software to assist with car park excess charge tickets recovery were detailed by the Clerk. He said that he and the Finance Officer had viewed the system in situ in Tendring and were happy that this system would be suitable for Town Council use. Staff had been appraised of the system and were happy that it would work and would make recovery of payments easier and more timely.
Motion to purchase the system was made by Cllr M Fincken and seconded by Cllr S Kirby. Motion was unanimously agreed.
191. BOUNDARY REVIEW
Report was noted, and it was agreed that it would be more fully discussed at next meeting; all were urged to bring forward suggestions to meeting on 11th April.
192. CALL-OUT COVER FOR MILL HOUSE
Present cover was discussed and it was agreed to appoint Regency Security Services to give cover from 1st April.
193. QUEEN’S HALL EQUIPMENT
It has been requested that various items be purchased for Queen’s Hall.
a) Hand driers. After discussion it was decided that Dyson Airblade Mk2 hand driers be purchased:- one for ladies toilet, one for gents toilet and it was decided to take advice from the Access Officer at BDC as to whether it would be appropriate to purchase one for the disabled toilet. It was said that paper towels are sufficient for kitchen use.
b) Dishwasher. After discussion it was decided that it would not be appropriate to purchase a dishwasher at present.
c) Chairs. It was decided that efforts should be made to clean the existing chairs as new ones would be required for the new community hall.
194. INSURANCE COVER
Quotations were noted and it was agreed that existing contract with WPS/Aviva be renewed for three years at a cost of £5443.12.
195. Exclusion of Public and Press
To give consideration to adopting the following resolution:- “That pursuant to the provisions of section 1 (2) – of the Admission to Meetings Act 1960, in view of the next item to be conducted, the press and public to be excluded from the meeting.”
196. STAFF REVIEW GROUP
Report was noted.
Chairman closed the meeting at 9.12p.m.