NOTES FROM THE CAMELFORD TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
7 December 2006
Present:- Mayor Jenny Finch (JF), Deputy Mayor Bonnie Grills (BG), Councillors Brian Lush (BL), Bob Ireland (BI), David Pierce (DP), Andy Shaw (AS), Mike Williams (MW), Lynne Crockford (LC), Sue Elford (SE), Phil Clark (PC), Jo Bass (JB)
Minutes taken by Ron Hart (in the absence of Barry Jordan – see next paragraph).
Before the meeting started J Finch said that Barry Jordan’s son had been involved in a serious accident and Barry is therefore on compassionate leave for an indeterminate period. BL expressed his sympathy, this was echoed by the other members.
John Craig of Community First said that Community First had been set up with the NHS as shareholders to develop primary care across the county. About 18 months ago they had been asked to look at the premises in Camelford, to establish whether they were fit for purpose, and to ascertain the way forward. B Ireland asked whether other sites, such as the playing fields, had been considered as alternatives. The popular perception seemed to be that some decisions had already been taken, but, Mr Craig stated, this is not the case. He continued by saying that 7 or 8 potential sites had been looked at and the decision was to propose enhancements to the current site at the Medical Centre. This site, now being considered, has not yet been presented for planning consent and more consultation is taking place with patients visiting the present surgery. He assured Council that they would continue to consult the public and GP’s and nurses, about the car park and access before any decision is reached. L Crockford asked if a mail-drop to all residents had been considered. The reply was that this course of action isn’t currently under consideration. LC then asked if facilities for Air Ambulance landings had been considered, and B Grills asked if a central contact point could be established so that all views could be aired. This was agreed to by Mr Craig.
Public participation – none.
1 Apologies for absence – none.
2 Declarations of interests – J Finch 12d and e, prejudicial. L Crockford 7j, personal. B Lush 7b, 12 c personal. B Grills 7 g and h and 12c personal, 12d and e prejudicial. S Elford 7d personal.
3 Minutes of meeting 21 November 2006 – B Lush said he had not attended that meeting, but item 11 b ‘the council’s website will soon be up and running’. R Hart said this is not an error in the minutes and J Finch said that it was on the agenda for this meeting. M Williams, 14c, the £6,000 was for capital, not for building, but for items or equipment. Acceptance proposed by A Shaw, seconded M Williams, 9 in favour, 2 abstentions (B Lush, S Elford).
4 Items carried forward from the last meeting –
a. Traffic monitoring – no reply yet. – c/forward
b. Information signs – no reply yet. – c/forward
5 Answers to public participation 21 November 2006 – none.
6 Questions or observations from councillors – none.
7 Items requiring a decision :
a. ,gov.uk – J Finch said that this had been discussed in detail and it was time to make a decision. B Ireland opposed it simply on the grounds of the costs involved for a small town like Camelford - £600 on software. J Finch said that £600 is the total for the initial set-up including £140 per year. A Shaw added that the initial amount includes training. B Ireland said he did not know why the council would want to do it. D Pierce said the running of the website should be done by the clerk. M Williams agreed. B Ireland said that as he opposed it then Cllrs Pierce and Williams would automatically be for it. Both councillors said that they resented that, but B Ireland said ‘do resent it’. M Williams said he thought B Ireland should withdraw the remark. B Grills said that it was time for council to move forward and get on the bandwagon first rather than last. B Lush reminded council that the Lyons Report would not be coming out until after the May election. A Shaw said this idea was a good as we would get. He did not think it a waste of money, but an enhancement. B Ireland said he had never suggested a website is a waste of money but the same results could be had a lot cheaper. A Shaw proposed it go ahead, seconded B Grills, 5 in favour, against B Lush, B Ireland, P Clark, two abstentions.
b. Ministerial Synod 7 February 2007 – 25 permits asked for, 9.30 – 5.30, marshals provided by the church. J Finch said that permit parking would be in force from 2 January and R Hart suggested that space be provided in the coach park. Free parking in the coach park proposed by S Elford, seconded B Ireland, 8 in favour, 3 abstentions, P Clark, B Lush and M Williams.
c. Precept – A Shaw asked if it was being set at this meeting. R Hart said it had to be in by 19th. J Finch went through her own ‘wish list’ (please see separate sheet) . B Ireland reminded council of the new rules which must be used and gave as an example that the clerk is entitled to two months sick leave next year and cover for that should be precepted for. M Williams said he had also done some figures and arrived at a precept of £51,000. It was agreed to hold a finance meeting on 12 December at 7 pm in the CDCDT office, thus giving Councillors time to finalise their ‘wish lists’.
d. Request from Heard’s to park lorry at the entrance to Enfield Park – B Lush said that it has always happened and proposed that this continue. Seconded A Shaw, all in favour.
e. Request from First Air Ambulance Service Trust. B Lush said he did not think it the council’s job to support this, rather it was the responsibility of Central Government. J Finch said that she agreed with Cllr Lush and that most people support the air ambulance. A Shaw reminded the meeting that council only gives grants for capital projects. This item would be left on the table.
f. Spectrum – residential, respite and educational services for children with autism, asperger syndrome etc. P Clark asked if this would benefit the people of Camelford. B Grills said she was sure it would benefit some families in the town. A Shaw asked that the Primary School be approached to determine how many Camelford children would use the facility. It was agreed to investigate this more and at the finance meeting to consider increasing the amount allocated in the precept for Section 137.
g. Parking permits for Dairy Crest, 11 December. B Ireland said that surely council must give them parking permits as they are working on council’s behalf. B Lush asked what control the council has over what Dairy Crest will be doing. R Hart said that they were the experienced ones. A Shaw proposed that permits be given, seconded J Finch, all in favour. Parking to be in the coach park.
h. Christmas Lighting team - A Shaw proposed £200 in appreciation of work done. Seconded S Elford, all in favour.
i. Street lighting at Delavue Terrace J Finch said that Highways has been asked for a pavement, but they have said there is not enough room. B Grills said that we have to demand this. B Lush said that an opening has appeared into the estate there and that certain people in Longfield Drive have been approached to put an alleyway between the houses, but he did not think this was being looked upon favourably. He continued by saying that someone is going to get killed on that bit of road, the planners should have sorted this out. They were not going to put an opening where Weeks Rise was – it was supposed to be a service entrance. M Williams recalled that the pavement at the Dentist’s had initially presented a problem but this was eventually resolved. A Shaw said it should have been written into the application. M Williams said be agreed with B Grills and council must push for pavement and lighting, with copies to Planning and Dan Rogerson. Proposed B Grills, seconded B Lush, all in favour.
j. Seat in Victoria Road – D Pierce said he had spoken to the supplier and he will get back to him. C/f to next meeting.
8 Items for information
a. Weight and width restrictions on A39 – letter from R Constance, area surveyor Highways saying this would cause significant implications for road users. D Pierce commented on recent reports regarding St Teath. A request list is held but implications should be considered..
9 Cheques for payment – payment proposed A Shaw, seconded M Williams 10 in favour B Lush abstained.
10 Resolutions or recommendations from councillors – none.
11 Correspondence
a. Letter from Mr D Tiney about the new memorial stone. B Grills had attended and felt that this letter had much to do with ‘in-house’ politics. M Williams felt that CTC should stay well out of this issue. Council to reply that his comments have been noted.
b. Letter from Mr D Howe about speed restrictions. A Shaw stated that he felt the 30 mph limit was not appropriate. B Lush suggested writing to the Safety group (Camera Safety Partnership).B Lush proposed that the speed limits around the town should be enforced. Seconded J Finch, 10 in favour, A Shaw against. Letter to be sent to Mr Howe.
c. Letter from Forum Fireworks Committee – thanking CTC for their contribution to the event.
12 Planning Applications :
a. 02316 – Trewalder Chapel - no objection AS, BL, all in favour
b. 02315 – Trewalder Chapel - no objection AS, BL, all in favour
c. 02230 – 12 Penmelen - no objection AS, LC 9 in favour, BL and BG abstained
d. 02270 – Juliot’s Well - no objection BI, SE all in favour (JF/BG left the room). A Shaw took over as ‘Chair’.
e. 02271 – Juliot’s Well - no objection AS, MW all in favour
f. 02272 – Lloyds TSB, request for 3 illuminated signs. A Shaw stated that current sign is only half-illuminated and that he could not see the need for 3 signs. B Grills suggested that past compliance by Lloyds TSB with CTC recommendations would probably mean they would be willing to comply again. Write to Lloyds TSB asking for one illuminated nameplate only proposed by AS, seconded by BL, 6 in favour, 4 against, PC abstained
Planning approval notices
01954
01293
01850
Planning refusal notices
None
13 Committee Reports
a. Amenities 6 12 06
i. P Clark said that he had abstained on item 2 – 3 in favour, two abstentions.
ii. Items were voted as follows :
3b Bins in the park – to replace with plastic AS, BG 10 in favour, BL abstained
4 To be dealt with in committee.
5a Apply for planting licence – JF, MW 9 in favour two abstentions DP, BL
5b R Hart said that he had been told that seats will be done by tomorrow lunchtime.
5c P Solomon to deal
14 Reports
a. Camelford Town Forum – 20 December
b. CDCDT next Wednesday
c. Youth club – M Williams said he has it ‘on good authority’ that more money coming for the proposed extension.
d. HERS – nobody attended
e. Mayor’s report – fireworks and switching on of lights a great success, but police and St John had concerns about the torches. B Lush stated that torches had only been issued to adults but that some irresponsible parents had passed them to children. B Ireland said the fireworks committee is looking at alternatives for next year. 21 December Mayor’s party. Joyce Whitehouse party 13 December. 30 November, police meeting report. B Ireland said the plug has been pulled on the PCSOs. Alcohol free zone – JF’s understanding of the situation is that under most circumstances the Police will use their common sense on occasions such as Carnival, New Year’s Eve and Boxing Day but if any one person breaks the rules then the regulations will be enforced on everyone in the area.
f. Broadwood path – B Ireland said the total cost of the project exceeds £25,000 and he had had to go back to Awards for All. P Clark asked if the contractor had pumped up the prices. B Ireland said that although the spec had been trimmed down it was still over £25,000 so they were just having to negotiate. They are asking about the Forum’s money. B Grills asked what the shortfall is likely to be. £1843 and B Ireland said he would bring it to the budget meeting.
g. A Shaw said that when the weather is bad several properties in High Street are drowned with water. R Hart will report to Highways.
h. Report from CCC – Janey Comber with her Christmas greetings ;
Reinstatement of the bus service
Sir James Smith’s – through school and new head teacher
Highways – speeding at Valley Truckle
Pedestrian Scheme working well
Volume of traffic a problem
Traffic calming in Chapel Street.
15 Newletters and Circulars – none
16 Items for 19 December meeting – B Lush talked about the state of the railings by the surgery. R Hart to talk to the doctors.
a. P Clark – council newsletter.
17 Exempt information – superseded.
To consider passing the following resolution in respect of the items listed below :
Proposed AS, seconded BG, 10 in favour, PC against.
End of notes taken by Clare Ireland & Eddie McCormick