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Notes of Town Council Meeting 19th June 2007

 

Present: Brian Lush (BL), John Pearce (JP), Bob Ireland (BL), Andy Shaw (AS), Mel Baber (MB), Dave Elliott (DE), Philip Clarke (PC), Philip Lessels (PL), Rob Rotchell (RR).

 

Minutes taken by Barry Jordan (BJ) Town Clerk

 

Public Participation

 

Janey Comber addressed the meeting to introduce herself to the new Councillors – she provided contact details.  She spoke of the new Primary School grant and that Cornwall PCT have agreed funding for the new medical centre.  The one-way and traffic calming in Chapel St. is under way and funding is agreed.  The enhancement scheme is going well, especially now that the scaffolding has begun to come down.

 

AS and JP asked her with regard to the site of the new medical centre but she couldn’t answer at this time.  She confirmed with Bob Ellison that she could not reveal the location of the proposed site at this time.

 

Julian Harman (JH) rose to address the meeting and read a statement re the police investigation and the allegation of perjury against him – but lately investigated by Police against the Town Clerk.  He said that the Town Clerk had been arrested by the police and released on ‘street’ bail, could the Council confirm this and what did they intend to do about it?

 

BL stated that a new item should be added to the end of the meeting and that ‘the press and public be excluded’ so that this matter could be discussed.

 

BJ requested that he be allowed to make a statement in reply, BL advised that he should not but BL agreed that he (BJ) could do so if he wished to go against BL’s advice. 

 

BJ replied that JH had made the allegation against him.  BJ has a “top solicitor” from Newquay coming to accompany and advise him when he is interviewed by the police.

 

Bob Ellison (BE) asked that, if the Unitary bid is to be opposed, then as many people as possible should contact CCC.  He stated that the results of the polls taken so far had shown on 8 to 1 rejection of the CCC’s bid.  He feared for the democratic process.  Janey Comber added that Neil Burden had put forward an objection against the bid but has lost by 3 votes.  AS congratulated BE on his stance.

 

  1. Apologies –
    1. Simon Morris – Working
    2. Andy Hernden – ill

Acceptance of apologies was proposed RR, seconded PC – all in favour.

 

  1. Declaration of Interests
    1. BL 7b (personal)

 

 

  1. Minutes of 7th June 2007
    1. From MB:-

                                                              i.      4j – “recording electronically” – she wanted confirmation that BJ would reply.  BJ confirmed that he would e-mail a reply.

                                                            ii.      7b – states ‘circulated to members’ but she hadn’t received a copy – BJ said he had not circulated the document (despite it appearing in the minutes).

                                                          iii.      8a – appeared to have been seconded by MB twice.

                                                          iv.      17d – Heritage Guidance Books (3) (see minutes of 7/06/07)

    1. From BI:-

                                                              i.      17g – He wanted clarification that AS’s statement was ‘that there were numerous donations’.

AS proposed, RR seconded, all in favour (with amendments as agreed above).

 

  1. Items carried forward
    1. Traffic monitoring - c/f
    2. Footway and Street lights - c/f
    3. Seat outside Lloyds bank – Waiting for scaffolding to be removed
    4. Walls in Churchfield Car Park – Will be done in July
    5. To approve the annual return for 2006/07 – BJ stated what was required and read each question individually

                                                              i.      PC asked how were Councillors to know?  BJ replied that a copy has been available in his office and Councillors could have seen details there.  BJ said the auditors had completed a quarterly and annual audit.

                                                            ii.      BI questioned the system of internal controls – MB asked that the question be re-read.  DE stated that using the statement “to the best of our knowledge and belief” was sufficient for the question to be answered.  JP agreed.  BI stated his opposition and wanted to be named as did PC.

                                                          iii.      JP asked that the same statement apply (i.e. “to the best of our knowledge and belief”).  PL asked, as an example, were items put out to tender.  PC remarked that he and BI had not agreed last year and that the Mayor (at the time) had agreed to no signatures. – 4 for, 3 against, 2 abstentions.

                                                          iv.      All agreed that this question could be answered.

                                                            v.      BJ read from a statement from Barkers.  PL asked whether a risk assessment had been carried out with regard the person collecting the car park payments – BJ stated that it had and that the new person was also subject to a risk assessment – 8 in favour,  PC against

                                                          vi.      BI re “we the Council have undertaken a review” – he stated that there had been no review.  BJ stated that the previous Mayor and the Deputy Mayor had reconciled the finances each month.  AS explained the previous system and said he was happy to allow Barkers to continue as they have been.  2 in favour, 3 against, 4 abstentions.  BI, PC and PL explained that no review had taken place so this question could not be affirmative.

                                                        vii.      BJ stated that last year the Council had been under-insured but this has been responded to.  PC abstained.

                                                      viii.      PC stated that as far as he was concerned there was still £10,000 outstanding but BJ stated that this is now a matter between the insurance company and Mr. Harman.  PC against (he provided a written statement in which he objected to the whole of Item 4e).

                                                          ix.      Trust Funds – BJ said this is not applicable.

 

  1. Answers to Public Participation
    1. None

 

  1. Questions from Councillors
    1. None

 

  1. Items requiring a Decision
    1. Request for a grant from Camelford Tourist Information Centre – request for £200 from Section 137 of CTC funds. AS proposed that this be agreed, RR seconded, all in favour.
    2. Request for grant from the Cornwall Dyslexia Association – BJ read the written request out.  AS stated that this is not a capital project and he is aware of another organisation who may ask for funds if this is supported.  BI agreed with AS – BL reminded the members of the criteria.  To be left on the table – AS proposed, PL seconded, all in favour.
    3. Road closure 1st December – BL reminded the Clerk this should be ‘road diversion’ BJ offered to write from the Council on behalf of all bodies involved – BI proposed, AS seconded, all in favour.
    4. Discuss August recess – BI asked that no payments be made during recess, AS explained past practice and proposed that this continue.  BI stated that signing cheques in advance is unlawful.  AS proposed, MB seconded all in favour of no second meeting in August.  AS proposed, BI seconded, all in favour of Finance Committee dealing with the issue.
    5. Item 8b Amenities minutes.  To purchase green dog bin – BJ displayed a catalogue and stated that about £200 would be the cost.  BL proposed, PL seconded, 8 in favour, AS abstained.
    6. Cornwall County Council.  Views on Rural bus service – BL suggested that he seek the advice from regular users, PL proposed, MB seconded, all in favour.
    7. NALC ‘Cracking the Code’ - The new ethical regime for parish councillors.  Thursday 19th July @ £70+ VAT per delegate – PC asked if CTC already had a session organised, left on the table. AS proposed, RR seconded, all in favour.

 

  1. Items for Information
    1. New opening times for Bowithick Recycling Centre, letter from SITA – new opening hours on notice board.
    2. Communication from Miss Sally Lloyd-Jones (Legal Dept., NCDC,  re standards board bulletin No. 33, wording for the adopted new code – BL proposed, PC seconded, all in favour of leaving on table.

 

  1. Finance
    1. BJ has been asked to have a cheque authorised re Love Parks/Parks for People for £300 cash through Council funds/account.  JP proposed, RR seconded, all in favour.

 

  1. Resolutions or recommendations from Councillors
    1. Cllr Pearce.  To correlate a list of volunteers for Camelford – JP explained his idea and stated that he has spoken to the new Chair of CAR (John Hough) and the Chair of Chamber of Commerce (Terry Tague) who were both in favour of this proposal.  BI requested that JP involve the Forum in all future ventures of this nature.  JP had had a proposal from J. Hough to identify an event coordinator.  BI suggested that this whole proposal go to the Forum.  MB proposed, PC seconded to go to the Forum, 8 in favour, 1 abstention.
    2. Cllr Baber – That the car park between the Darlington and the Library be cordoned off for the Boxing Day Hunt – MB has been approached by the licensees of the Darlington.  BL explained that a volunteer would be needed on Xmas Day, after the lunch-time session,  to cordon off the area – MB offered to do this. ??proposed, ??seconded, BI, PC & PL against, 7 in favour.

 

  1. Correspondence
    1. Two letters from Mr J Hough re Trevia Sewerage Pumping Station – BL said he had done some work investigating this and suggests utilizing the Environmental Protection/Pollution Team.  BI proposed that this go to NCDC, JP seconded, all in favour.
    2. Letter from Maria Parsons re car parking charges – thanking CTC for returning the Car Park to free parking, she also asked that something be done over HGV’s still coming through town.
    3. Letter from Alice Williams re car parking – complaining over not being able to get a space.
    4. Letter from A Roberts (not on agenda) – complaining that commuters and car sharers were blocking the car park.
    5. Letter from D Pierce (not on agenda) – complaining re car park. -- BL suggested that all these letters go to Car Park Committee, MB seconded, all in favour.
    6. Letter from Mrs Pat Reid re litter in Camelford – request that litter and vandalism be addressed, BL explained that street cleaning is done by NCDC, BI asked that schools also be approached, BI proposed MB seconded, all in favour.
    7. Letter from Camelford Primary School regarding appointment of Town Council Rep –
    8. St Stephen-in-Brannel Parish Council, invitation to attend an affordable housing presentation (at Truro) Monday 16/7/07 – AS said he would like to attend, BL proposed that AS attend, JP seconded, 8 in favour, 1 abstention.
    9. Publication from Mr E McCormick (Legal advice being sought from NCDC) copy circulated to members –BL apologised to Mr McCormick, Sally Lloyd-Jones sees no legal problem with the publication – the item was not discussed further.

 

  1. Planning
    1. Application – not dealt with by the planning committee

                                                              i.      None

 

    1. Planning Approval Notices

                                                              i.      2007/00535. Juliots Well Holiday Park

 

    1. Planning Refusal Notices

                                                              i.      2007/00085 Deer Park Helstone

 

    1. Planning applications withdrawn

                                                              i.      2007/00766 11 Trefrew Road

                                                            ii.      Not on agenda –Poltair homes review of proposed development Victoria Gardens.  AS believes the site is grossly overcrowded and the units are very small.  AS proposed, BL seconded that Poltair reduce the number from 27 and increase the size, all in favour.

 

  1. Committee Reports
    1. Finance Committee 04/06/07 – JP reported on the meeting, particular focus was on the cost of running the car park.  MB asked re item 4b and stated that some organisations take obsolete items.  PL suggested that CTC should purchase its own copy of the ‘Green Book’ but DE said that there was access to a copy at Wadebridge and this was sufficient.  DE offered to view the Wadebridge copy and advise CTC before considering purchase of a copy for CTC, all in favour.
    2. Car Park Committee (next meeting now 27/07/07, 7p.m. in CDCDT office).  PL gave a report (copies to all CTC members).  He stated that the survey has provided evidence of car park usage.  301 people surveyed – of this 18% were ‘all day’ parkers i.e. from early in the morning until late.  67% stayed for less than 1 hour, 11% stayed for 1-2 hours, 5% stayed for 2-4 hours (mainly part-time workers).  54% were on Camelford’s electoral roll, 31% lived within 20 miles (only 46 of the 301 surveyed were not ‘locals’).  134 of the 301 came to shop, 78 because of work, 46 to go to the doctors.  He summarised by saying that the car park users are overwhelmingly locals or residents (85%) and most were short-stay.  The major response was pleasure at the removal of charges, it allowed people to meet other people and chat without concern that a ticket was about to expire.  Only 2.5% said that chargers should be re-instated.  There were suggestions for ‘zoning’ for those using the surgery, for long-stay parkers to use the Coach park.  If the existing Pay and Display machines remain then people could make voluntary contributions.  The committee have investigated the legal situation i.e. whether charges need to be re-instated.  He had spoken to David Hooper at NCDC for advice (a meeting took place last Thursday) with BL, JP and PL to verify that CTC was acting within the legal framework.  BL had heard that someone may make a legal challenge and David Hooper had assured the members that there was no legal reason that the CTC could not go ahead and remove the charges, the suspension could be extended until new orders are in place.  PL proposed then that parking charges be suspended until the new order comes into force.  AS showed the meeting a document which in some ways disputed the advice David Hooper had given.  BI asked if proposal re ‘zoning’ needed to go into the orders.  PL proposed, RR seconded, all in favour.  BI asked that the car park committee immediately go ahead with seeking the new order.  PC seconded.  PL proposed that the car park committee seek new orders, MB seconded, all in favour.  BL proposed, RR seconded, all in favour of adoption of Car Park committee minutes.
    3. Amenities Committee 06/06/07 – Parks for people bid should go ahead.  AS proposed, PL seconded, all in favour.
    4. Publicity Committee 07/06/07 – MB reported that the committee recommended that CTC website be restricted to Agenda, Minutes and letters, that Newsletters be suspended – but published on an ad hoc basis.  AS said it seemed a shame to waste 18 months work.  BI reiterated that the Clerk is very busy and CTC should not burden him with any extra work.  PC stated that some people had commented that, similarly to the recent comments re CCC/Unitary bid, the Newsletter had been used for propaganda.  MB proposed, JP seconded, 8 in favour AS abstained.

 

  1. Reports
    1. Camelford Town Forum – meets tomorrow
    2. CDCDT – AS reported on meeting that informed of land available in Delabole.  CDCDT could fold at the end of the month due to lack of funds.
    3. Youth Club – no report
    4. HERS – nothing to report
    5. Mayors report – interviewed re Derriford where he commented on the number of Camelford people who attended if services were not available at Treliske.
    6. Other reports - BI – Broadwood Path – he heard yesterday that NCDC had agreed to fund an extra £9,000 plus,  so long as CTC contributed the agreed £2,000.  Project must be in place before September or lose some of the funding (between September and April the Environment Agency will not permit work)
    7. Parks for People – full report will be given at the next meeting.

 

  1. Newsletters and Circulars
    1. None

 

                                                              i.      Fireworks – additional report, MB stated a fundraising event on 14th July, a ‘Bubbles and Berry’s’ picnic in aid of Fireworks to be held at Mr. Hough’s house in Trevia.

 

  1. Items for the 5th July
    1. BI – that ‘Correspondence’ presented up to the day of the meeting be allowed to be heard.  BJ said that if money was involved then it should go on the next agenda.  BI’s recommendation will go on the next agenda.

 

  1. Extra Item
    1. As per BL – that Press and Public be excluded – ‘Staffing matter’ relating to statement at Public Participation.  BL proposed, DE seconded, 8 in favour, PC against.

 

Press and public left the room.

 

End of Eddie McCormick’s notes

 

 

 

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