Notes from CTC meeting held on 20th Nov 2007
These notes were made from the audio recording made at the meeting.
Present: Mayor B. Lush (BL), Dep Mayor J. Pearce (JP), P. Clark (PC), P. Lessels (PL), A. Shaw (AS),
B. Ireland (BI), M. Baber (MB).
Minutes: R. Hart (RH), Acting Town Clerk.
Public Participation – None.
1 - Apologies – A. Hearnden (ill), S. Morris (working), R. Rotchell (holiday), D. Elliott (personal). AS proposed acceptance, sec by PL, all in favour.
2 – Declarations of Interest – BI (4g, prejudicial), PC (4c, personal).
3 – Minutes of 1st November 2007 – PC stated that an error existed in “Car Park” in that the proposer was actually PL not PC. RH agreed to amend. AS prop acceptance with amendment, sec by JP, 5 in favour, 2 abstentions (BL & MB).
4 – Items carried forward –
(a) Update on survey re the uses for Primary School site when relocated – RH reported that another had been received (total now 7). After some discussion regarding the lack of public response it was proposed by AS that this item be removed, sec by MB, a.i.f.
(b) Ambulance response times – RH stated that there had still been no reply from either the Ambulance service or PCT. JP suggested that because of the nature of the request, more time be allowed for a reply therefore this item will stay on the agenda.
(c) Co-op (request that shop be asked to re-position and put car park in rear behind Anvil Court (from MB)). MB spoke on the discussion that had taken place at the Forum meeting which concluded that the whole site be moved backwards with access to be gained through Anvil Road. AS stated that Co-op had agreed previously to look at reviewing the site but had not gotten back to CTC. The original thinking was that the end of Anvil Road would be for delivery access. MB asked that Co-op be approached again to resume dialogue with CTC. PC commented that should discussions begin then both Councillors Baber and Rotchell would be affected so should not be involved in those discussions. MB proposed writing to Co-op, sec by BL, 6 in favour, 1 abst (PC).
(d) Rights of way application – opeways. The opeway at the Post Office is already adopted but the remaining opeways are subject to a CTC application (forms awaited).
(e) Permission requested from CDCDT re keys for chairperson(s) – RH stated that there were no objections to chairpersons having keys to the office and that key-holders names be notified to Police for security purposes.
(f) Medical Centre (from BI) – BI wanted to know what is happening with PCT proposals over this issue. MB suggested writing to the PCT for an update. BI proposed this, sec by MB, a.i.f.
(g) Town Plan (from BI) – BI expressed his surprise at the location (on the October plan) of the Through School which appears to be in a different location to the position generally understood as the site. BL temporarily suspended Standing Orders so that County Councillor J. Comber could address the Council. There is confusion about which elements of the building work are going where. BL reinstated Standing Orders. MB proposed that CTC contact John Pinch very soon to clarify, sec by JP, a.i.f.
(h) Sixth Form closure at SJS (from PC) – PC commented on the regrets expressed by residents over children who had enrolled but would, over the coming months, be losing several teachers. BL, while understanding the position of the new Headmaster, was concerned over the way the closure had been undertaken. PL commented on the difficulties within the education system, such as pupil numbers, which had contributed to the decision. PC felt that a lot of good teachers would be lost due to this decision. CTC to write to SJS stating that they understand the reasons for closure but were disappointed at the decision. Prop by JP, sec by MB, a.i.f.
(i) Kebab shop rubbish bin (from R. Rotchell) – BL believes that placing a bin at the kebab shop would be futile as the rubbish is deposited throughout other areas of the town. The plastic bin which was at Co-op corner, and is now melted, is the property of County Council. MB felt that the potential of ‘sponsored’ bins led to areas looking tacky. RH advised that CTC could locate more bins (at their own cost) if sponsorship was not taken up. PL stated that all retail/take-away outlets should be approached to stress the detrimental effect the rubbish has on the appearance of the town. The possibility of Councillors attending a course re the enforcement of litter law is to be investigated. This would enable ‘on-the-spot’ fines to be given to offenders. Prop by PC, sec by MB, 5 in favour, 2 against (BL and PL).
(j) Broadwood Path – sign at Trefrew Road end – RH had approached Dist. Cllr B. Ellison who stated that it was not him who had said there was money available for this. PC proposed that, subject to a cost limit of £100, CTC purchase and erect the sign, sec by BL, a.i.f.
5 - Answers to Public Participation of 1st November (shown as 16th Oct on this agenda) – None.
6 – Questions from Councillors – None.
7 – Items requiring a decision
(a) From AS – Christmas Lights & Procession – AS stated that he had been approached to find out if CTC intended to provide any transport for elderly to attend fireworks and switch-on of lights. BL proposed writing to request use of the Welfare mini-bus from 5.30 pm to approx 8 pm. Discretion to used for return journey, BL to put a notice in Pop-In centre. (JP is happy to drive the bus), sec by JP, a.i.f.
(b) Camelford Community Network –Letter from C. Councillor J. Comber – RH reminded members of the letter previously received in respect of this. BL proposed that CTC express their support in a written reply, sec by BI, a.i.f. BL, at the request of J. Comber, again suspended Standing Orders so she could thank Council for their support. She also mentioned provision elsewhere for litter patrols which CTC might want to consider. Also, on Friday, she will be opening a ‘Sanctuary Scheme’ for victims of domestic violence, this issue is to be mentioned also in the local press – available to all. BL reinstated Standing Orders.
(c) Christmas Lights – D. Flower to photograph the switch-on – charge of £30 – AS proposed acceptance of this offer. Discussion took place as to whether the CTC website could accept copies of these photos. PC asked for an amendment which would also allow copies for the same price. Sec by BI, 6 in favour, 1 abst.
(d) From D. Flower – does CTC want a picture of Broadwood Path bridge? – This to be free of charge. BI explained that there are restrictions imposed by the website in terms of size and number of pictures. Mr Flower’s offer was gratefully accepted.
8 – Items for Information –
(a) CCC Local Maintenance Partnership – RH explained that a new officer had been appointed and was looking forward to meeting CTC in the New Year.
(b) MEP’s South West 2004-2009 – Details available from Clerk’s office.
(c) Community Facilities Survey 2007/8 – Survey to be undertaken shortly.
(d) One Cornwall survey – RH explained the purpose of the survey – BL to complete and reply.
(e) Play equipment inspection 9th Nov 2007 – the hole is to be repaired shortly.
(f) Local Action for North Cornwall – submit expression of interest – JP explained that the EU has some money available (£2.75 million for Cornwall & Scillies). To qualify for any funds CTC must initially provide, by 31st Dec 2007, an official expression of interest. This might provide an opportunity for gaining some funds towards Enfield Park. There is no requirement for a feasibility study and no project manager needs to be appointed. BL prop, sec by AS, a.i.f.
(g) Crime & Disorder – BL explained the history behind this matter and the groups involved in the past. BL to read and complete, AS proposed, BI sec, a.i.f.
(h) Local Plan (NCDC) – AS to read, consider and compile questions for approval by CTC, proposed by BL, sec by JP, a.i.f.
(i) Rural Action – this is part of the EU’s rural action programme. To be answered by RH.
(j) From Julian Harman – re information requested re Beachcroft and his case against CTC. The legal reply was that Mr Harman cannot have a copy at the present time.
9 – Approval of payments – available from Clerk’s office. Proposed for acceptance by BI, sec by PL, a.i.f.
(The Car Park is officially free of charge with effect from 19th November 2007)
10 – Resolutions or recommendations from Councillors – None.
11 – Correspondence –
(a) From E. McCormick – request under the Freedom of Information Act – Mr McCormick disputes the exemptions quoted by CTC in their refusal letter and that CTC should be seeking legal advice in this matter from Beachcroft who are a nominated party in the request. RH stated that he had given a copy of this letter to Campbell Dye of Beachcroft for him to comment. PC agreed that CTC should not be consulting Beachcroft on this specific matter. RH stated that CTC can approach another solicitor. PC wanted CTC to use someone unconnected with the case. BI suggested an amendment, that CTC go straight to the Information Commissioner, sec by MB, 4 in favour, 1 against (AS), 2 abst.
(b) From R. Swale – thank you to CTC for flowers for Remembrance Day and request for additional members. PL expressed his uncertainty over the designation of ‘war memorial’ status. BL stated that he was certain that the inclusion of names of the fallen meant this was indeed a war memorial under the terms of the 1921 Act and that CTC are bound to look after it, he proposed that CTC write to confirm this to Mr Swale. AS would like this verified, as would PL. PC seconded BL’s proposal, 5 in favour, 1 against (PL), 1 abst.
(c) From Celebration Church – Carol Service to take place on 16th Dec at 6pm in Clease Hall. BL will attend and give a reading. All welcome.
12 – Planning Applications –
(a) Land adjacent to 1 Longfield Drive – AS prop no objection, sec by PL, a.i.f.
(b) Land adjacent to Hill Crest, Trevilla Park, Slaughterbridge – PC prop no objection, sec by BI, 4 in favour, 2 against (MB and AS), 1 abst.
(c) Deer Park Farm – removal of hedgerow – this seems to have already been removed but AS is concerned that no dimensions have been shown on the application. AS prop no objection, sec by BI, 4 in favour, 2 against (PC & MB), 1 abst.
(d) Kings Acre – AS prop no objection, sec by BL, a.i.f.
13 – Planning approvals – Land adjoining Inns Park – sales cabin & temporary access.
14 – Planning refusals – (a) Co-op shop advertising signs. (b) Park Lane Motors (development refused).
15 – Applications withdrawn – (a) Kings Acre (but see above) (b) Land off Daws Meadow.
16 – Committee reports –
(a) Employment Committee – The minutes of the Committee meeting were proposed for acceptance by MB, sec by PC, a.i.f. MB then gave a report relating to the drawing-up of a new contract of employment using the NALC guidelines. Lengthy discussion took place over various aspects of the proposed contract. RH reminded the meeting that the existing contract had been drawn up with the help of professional advice. The Committee’s suggestion of a 20 hour basic contract led to further discussion and it was felt that 20 hours would be inadequate to allow the job-holder to perform their duties properly. The amount of time currently taken up unnecessarily by Councillors consulting the Clerk was mentioned. AS proposed leaving the Clerk’s hours at 37.5 per week. PC commented that, having attempted to save CTC money by restructuring the hours and terminology for contract purposes, this Council still seems reluctant to make a commitment to savings. BI suggested a compromise of 30 hours which BL said would save around £5,000 per year. PC stated that CTC must first reject the 20 hour proposal of the Committee. AS proposed rejection, PL sec, 3 in favour, 2 against, 2 abst. At this point PC expressed his desire to resign from the Employment Committee. The proposal for 37.5 hours by AS was restated, PL sec, 2 in favour, 3 against, 2 abst. BI then proposed 30 hours (including meetings), sec by BL, 4 in favour, 1 against, 2 abst. Other items discussed were responsibility in the event of illness, agreement on holiday dates with the Council, surrender of Council property upon termination, grievance procedures. The Council then viewed examples of job descriptions, advertisements etc. in respect of the vacancy for Town Clerk. RH will do a re-write of the contract.
(PC gave his apologies and left the meeting).
PL then requested clarification of the Salary scale and appraisals to be used. The relevant paragraph was cited by MB.
BI proposed that CTC accept the amendments and return the contract to the full Council for reassessment, sec by MB, a.i.f.
BI proposed, sec by BL that the vacancy is to be advertised after, and subject to the outcome of the appeal by B Jordan, a.i.f.
RH is to contact A.C.A.S. and Cornwall C.C. re pension provision information.
(b) Lighting & Fireworks – MB reported on the request for ‘Santa’ to lead the procession from SJS to Enfield Park and that BL as Mayor will be alongside the celebrity switching on the lights. MB also asked that a poster be displayed on the CTC website. BI again referred to the restrictions imposed by the format of the website but hoped he would be able to accommodate this. MB then requested volunteers to act as Marshals on the evening.
17 – Reports from outside bodies –
(a) Town Forum – there will be a meeting tomorrow (21st Nov).
(b) CDCDT – AS reported that a meeting was held last week and information was awaited.
(c) Youth Club – meeting last night (but no report available.
(d) HERS – now virtually defunct – no report - to be removed from the list.
(e) Mayor’s report – BL reported re Remembrance Parade and Service.
(f) Other reports from outside bodies – None.
(g) Clerk’s report – Strimming course – earliest available is May 2008. Request from RH for an official thank you to Wendy Clark, Jenny Metters and John Gilbert for their work on the town gardens. RH reminded members that there was no ‘official’ road closure because Police could not trace an application but would assist with ‘crowd control’. RH will advise DairyCrest of the date.
(i) BI then reported that Councillors new email addresses are available but Matt (from NCDC) is not able to provide instruction to all. He will however advise BI who offered to pass the information to other Councillors.
18 – Newsletters & Circulars –
(a) LCR - NALC Journal – to BL
(b) Councils Direct – to BL
(c) South West Water –
(d) NCDC Building Control – to AS
(e) Cornwall Cathedral –
(copies of all the above are available from the Clerk’s office)
19 – Items for 6th December meeting –
(a) From BL re Lighting Committee – usual gratuity.
(b) From BL – Clease Road junction with Chapel Street
End of notes