Notes from CTC meeting held on 15th January 2008.
Present: Mayor B. Lush (BL), Dep. Mayor J. Pearce (JP), P. Clark (PC), R. Rotchell (RR),
P. Lessels (PL), A. Shaw (AS).
Minutes taken by (Acting) Town Clerk, R. Hart (RH)
Public Participation – District Councillor Bob Ellison addressed the meeting. Firstly he commented on the recent provision of a mechanical street/pavement sweeper for Camelford. He then spoke on the Parish Plan – he wished CTC well with this but suggested that care be taken over the consultation and deliberations so that the town doesn’t try to over-extend itself.
E. McCormick then asked the Council to investigate just who had authorised the installation of the raised and kerbed area outside the charity shop at the bottom of Chapel Street. He stated that he had asked the workmen, at the time the area was being worked on, but they couldn’t give an answer.
1 - Apologies – received from A Hearden (ill), S Morris (working), D Elliott (working),
M Baber (working), & B Ireland (holiday). Proposed for acceptance by RR, sec by PL, all in favour.
2 - Declarations of Interest – PC (Item 4(b) personal).
3 – Minutes of 3rd Jan 2008 – Proposed for approval by JP, sec by RR, 5 in favour, AS abstained.
4 – Items carried forward –
(a) Ambulance Service response times – RH commented on an article in the East Cornwall magazine, also in newspapers and on the radio which basically said that no-one was getting an answer at the moment but that the local MP was now involved and hopefully an answer would be received shortly.
(b) Co-op relocation – still no reply.
(c) Rights of way application – proceeding.
(d) Update on negotiations to sell car park machines – RH stated that the machines have now been sold for £1,000.
5 – Answers to Public Participation (03/01/08) – RH stated that the offer made by CAR at the last meeting should now be politely turned down because their latest newsletter had already been printed and the next edition would be too late (in all probability) to be considered for the advert for Town Clerk. JP proposed that the advert could go on the CAR website, sec by PL, 4 in favour, BL & AS abstained.
6 – Answer questions from Councillors – None.
7 – Items requiring a decision –
(a) From RR – Possible invoice to CCC for cost of cleaning road signs – BL confirmed that John Gilbert had cleaned the signs which were now looking very smart and suggested that a polite request for some recompense be sought. BL suspended Standing Orders to allow Bob Ellison to comment. BE suggested that CTC attempt to enter into a partnership with CCC over the responsibility for cleaning. RR recommended that CTC continue to do the cleaning but ask CCC for a nominal sum in recompense. RR proposed this, sec by AS, all in favour.
(b) From BI – Adopt financial monitoring procedures – JP felt that the document was quite complicated and proposed that it be referred for study and consideration by the Finance Committee and for them to make a recommendation to full Council, sec by PC, all in favour.
8 – Items for Information –
(a) Visit by Sergeant Jones to address CTC – date in February to be agreed.
(b) Advert for Town Clerk update – Due to an error in the printed advert a free advert is to be placed in the Guardian. Cost and dates of publication meant it would be uneconomic to advertise in the trade/professional magazines. To date 4 requests for application forms have been received. The format of the interview(s) procedure was then briefly discussed. PL stated that he was concerned that a possible appointment could be recommended by the Employment Committee without the full Council having reflected on the applicants. JP clarified the procedure as set out by Employment Committee which would allow informal meetings with the candidates prior to interview. RH suggested that NCDC could be consulted as to format and BL proposed this, sec by PC, all in favour.
9 – Approval of Payments – Details available from the Clerk’s office. Proposed for acceptance by PC, sec by RR, all in favour.
10 – Resolutions or recommendations from Councillors – None.
11 – Correspondence –
(a) From Mrs Joan Cox asking for safety measures to be introduced at Hawthorn Close/Victoria Gardens/Trefrew Rd. BL commented on the difficulties being experienced by both pedestrians and drivers at the location. PC recalled this issue being raised last year, confirmed by AS, and then BL proposed that a copy of the letter be sent to County Councillor Janey Comber with a recommendation from CTC, in line with Mrs Cox’s suggestions. Seconded by PC, all in favour.
(b) From Jonathan Holt re Medical Centre – copy of letter Mr Holt, as Chairman of the Town Forum, had sent to PCT (copy available from Clerk’s office) asking for re-establishment of dialogue.
(c) From Eddie McCormick – copy of letter sent by email to the Guardian re ex-Councillor Williams’s comments published in the Guardian on 9th Jan 08.
12 – Planning Applications – None.
13 – Planning Approvals – None.
14 – Planning refusals – None.
15 – Planning apps withdrawn – None.
16 – Committee Reports – None.
17 – Reports from outside bodies –
(i) Town Forum – Meeting tomorrow (16th Jan)
(ii) CDCDT – A Shaw stated that replies were awaited from two individuals.
(iii) Youth Club – BL commented re extension to hours on Tuesday’s and he will have further discussions at the Forum meeting tomorrow. PL commented on the possible grant from Tesco and BL said he will have a discussion with Hayley Cox to take this further. RH has completed part of the request and RR is in the process of finalising the application, he is awaiting price details.
(iv) Mayor’s report – BL commented on the possibility of a farmers’ market which had been raised by the gentleman who currently sells fresh fish at Enfield Park.
(v) JP commented on the Youth Council which will hopefully attend the next CTC meeting and contribute during Public Participation. JP then mentioned the informal ‘think tank’ meeting to be held on 21st Jan at CDCDT office. PL reported on the Chamber of Commerce meeting to be held on Thursday 24th at the Liberal Club which will be attended by MP Dan Rogerson, the main topic will be the possible restrictions being placed on HGV’s coming through the main road. JP then reminded members of the Rivers Authority meeting to take place on 18th Jan at 2pm. AS asked if CTC will be represented at the funeral of Frank Huband (ex-caretaker) – BL stated that he will be attending. AS then asked if the lack of adequate white lining at Clease car park could be raised on the next agenda.
(vi) Clerk’s report – RH reported invitations received to various functions. He then reported on the generous contribution made by Sleeps re Christmas Lighting (letter of thanks to be sent from CTC). RH then gave the ‘Priority List’ from the local police. Reconstruction of wall at recycling bins to be followed up.
(vii) Re Tribunal ref B Jordan – Allianz have confirmed that, having received a vast amount of information, that had been collated by Bob Ireland and which was hand-delivered by JP, CTC is to be indemnified and solicitors to be appointed.
18 – Newsletters & Circulars –
(i) Clerk and Councils Direct
19 – Items for the 7th February meeting –
(i) From PC re authorisation to purchase grass-cutting machinery after verifying price.
(ii) From PL re Car Park Committee (collapsed wall – see above).
(iii) From PC re the frequency of CTC meetings.
On the agenda for this evening but not utilised was an item to be held ‘In Committee’ with reference to the Tribunal being brought by B Jordan against CTC.
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