Page 986 MINUTES OF MORETON IN MARSH TOWN MONTHLY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 10 TH OCTOBER 2011 IN THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, OLD TOWN, MORETON IN MARSH AT 7.00 PM A minutes silence was observed in memory of Cllr Ben Jeffrey, a longstanding Member of the Council, who sadly recently passed away. PRESENT: Councillors: R Hooper (Chairman), C Hancox, J Lane-Burford, A Whitworth, S Heady, Clerk/RFO, 7 Members of the Public & 3 Press. Also in attendance Cotswold District Cllr R Dutton. APOLOGIES: Cllr J Harris DECLARATION OF INTERESTS IN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA: Cllrs Lane-Burford, Hancox & Heady declared an interest in any financial matters that may arise relating the Redesdale Hall Management Committee. Cllr Hancox also declared an interest in any matters relating to the Moreton Bowling Club as he is a Trustee & on any planning applications that may be discussed. MINUTES of the Meeting held on 12 th September 2011 had been circulated and published on the notice board. RESOLVED that the Chairman should sign the Minutes as being a true and accurate record. RECORD OF VOTING All in favour. QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: One parishioner said he wished to speak about the updated insurance letter produced by the CDC in relation to flood alleviation works in the town and also about the cleaning of the ditch in Queen Victoria s Garden. Both were dealt with under the Resilience Committee Report. PROGRESS REPORT AND COMMENTS ON THE MINUTES MEETING HELD ON 12 TH SEPTEMBER 2011 BY-ELECTION Only two nominees had come forward by the deadline date therefore the By Election is uncontested and both candidates will therefore automatically take up the two vacant seats after 3 rd November 2011. The two new Members are Miss A Coggins & Mr D Newman. POLICE AUTHORITY CONSULTATION (about closure of Moreton Police Station): Cllr Dare had acknowledged safe receipt of Council s letter and said that a reply will be received from the Chief Executive of the Policy Authority in due course. He had also pointed out that some of the Council s questions/concerns related to operational matters, which come under Superintendent Jim McCarthy s remit. Clerk had asked if Cllr Dare would be kind enough to forward a copy of the Council s letter to Superintendent McCarthy to respond directly on these specific issues. LIBRARY CLOSURE: Cllr Noble will meet with Members of Council on Tuesday 25 th October at 6.30 pm. YOUTH SERVICES IN THE TOWN: Cllr Dare had replied to Council s letter confirming that no youth services are now available in the town from GCC. As previously agreed this subject will be placed on the Agenda for the November Council Meeting. Cllr Hooper proposed that the Council should have a Drop In Session at the Council office to give the youth/youngsters of the town an opportunity to say whether they wanted a Youth Club to be set up. Date chosen was Tuesday 25 th October from 5.00 6.30 pm and then a later session from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm. REDESDALE PLACE ALLOTMENTS: Clerk read out response to Moreton Bowling Club agronomist s report from GBD (Evesham) Ltd (the Council s grass cutting contractor), with regard to the to the weed problems in the area exacerbated by the Club s builder spreading the pile of top soil on the former former allotments area. It basically said that he would suggest that the current regime of cutting once a month would be sufficient and that the use of a selective herbicide is unnecessary. RESOLVED - That Council will accept the proposition by grass cutting contractor and will review the situation in the Spring in relation to the application of a selective herbicide. RECORD OF VOTING 4 in favour, 1 no vote. NETWORK RAIL RE ACCESS TO LINE VIA BLENHEIM FARM PUBLIC OPEN SPACE: Still no further information on this matter and Clerk will continue to chase. VEGETATION CUTBACK BY NETWORK RAIL ON A44 AND A429 RAILWAY BRIDGES: As above.
Page 987 ITALIA IN PIAZZA MARKET: Market will take place on Sunday 23 rd October in the High Street Car Park and Operator had requested that the Council cordon off the car park the night before and therefore pay the higher fee of 500.00. Cllr Hooper will pick up the bollards from Stow Police Station and Cllrs Heady and Hancox offered to help put them out on the Saturday night. CDC GRANT FOR YOUTH (funded by GCC) AVAILABLE VIA CDC WARD DISTRICT COUNCILLORS: Cllr Hooper will apply for his share of grant to go towards the Skate Bowl Project. Cllr Dutton had not yet made a final decision on what he would apply for his funding towards. CABLE RUNWAY: Repaired at a cost of 870.00 + VAT. MORETON BOWLING CLUB MEETING: The date proposed by Council to meet with Members of Bowling Club with reference to their license application was unsuitable. Details of the license had been sent through from the Vice Chairman of the Bowling Club. Council had also received official notification of the application via CDC Licensing earlier in the day. The Clerk had compared the current license with the new application and pointed out some minor changes but the most significant is that the Club wish to run Short Mat Bowls during the Winter Season. She also confirmed that the application conforms to the stipulations laid down in the lease on the land. RESOLVED No objection but would be monitored. RECORD OF VOTING 4 in favour, 1 no vote. ANNUAL ALLOTMENT COMPETITION PRIZEGIVING: Mr Tim Godwin, Fosseway Garden Centre, arrived and joined the meeting. Cllr Hancox, Chairman of Allotments Committee, gave thanks to Mr Godwin for not only sponsoring all the prizes this year but for once again judging the competition. He handed out the prizes to the winners present:- First Prize Mr D Handy, University Allotments winner for the third year in succession. Mr Handy had other commitments so was unable to attend the prize giving. Second Prize Mr P Lockyear, Croft Site Third Prize Mr D Brown, Hospital Road Site Cllr Hancox then presented the Chairman s Award for the Most Improved Allotment to Mr M Hemming, University Site. Mr Godwin congratulated the winners and said that it amazed him what a diverse range of plants the tenants grew. He said looking after an allotment is hard work and makes people appreciate that it is not easy to grow vegetables. Chairman of Council gave his personal thanks and those of fellow Members to Mr Godwin for his continued help and support of this competition. Mr Godwin then left the meeting. AGENDA ITEMS: CASUAL VACANCY DUE TO DEATH OF CLLR BEN JEFFREY Vacancy will be advertised from tomorrow. PROPOSAL THAT UNTIL NEW MEMBERS COME ON BOARD THAT CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL ACTS AS SUBSTITUTE ON ANY COMMITTEE/SUB COMMITTEE THAT ARE INQUORATE RESOLVED Members approve short term solution. RECORD OF VOTING 4 in favour, 1 no vote. LETTER FROM MR CLIFTON BROWN MP & MR NEIL MP ON BEHALF OF DCLG ON PRE MARKET ENGAGEMENT EXERCISE ON FUTURE OF FIRE SERVICE COLLEGE A discussion took place and various issues and ideas were debated. It was agreed that the Chairman of Council/Clerk will prepare a draft letter which will be circulated to all Members for comment/approval before sending ahead of the deadline date of 31 st October. SKATE AND SPORTS FACILITY, FIT NATIONAL PLAYING FIELD SITE, LONDON ROAD Cllr Whitworth referred Members to the Minutes of the Committee Meeting held last week. She explained that the recommendation of the Committee to utilise the area allocated by the Trustees of the Site for purely a skate bowl and defer the MUGA to a later date. RESOLVED Recommendation approved. RECORD OF VOTING 4 in favour, 1 abstention. She then went on to say that the Committee would like approval of the Budget for the Skate Bowl to be set at 65,000, broken down as follows:-
Skateboard Current Account 1535.02 Budget for current financial year 4000.00 Cala/Bloor Homes Donation 20000.00 Earmarked for Skateboard in A/C's 25000.00 TOTAL 50535.02 Moreton Rangers Old Club House Demolition 10000.00 BALANCE 40535.02 Budget 65000.00 Already earmarked 40535.02 Balance O/S 24464.98 To be raised via grants & donations Page 988 As indicated the majority of the funding is already earmarked and the balance of c 24500 will be funded via grants/donations. RESOLVED Budget approved. RECORD OF VOTING 4 in favour, 1 abstention. PLANNING COMMITTEE: Cllr Hancox had declared an interest, in certain planning matters, but as the Council were not discussing any specific planning applications he remained in the meeting. Cllr Hooper reported, in Cllr Harris absence, that the Bowling Club, Hospital Road, development was being discussed at the CDC Planning Committee Meeting on Wednesday and that he would represent and speak on behalf of the Council with regard to their objections to this development. The next Planning Committee Meeting will take place on Thursday 20 th October at 7.30 pm. Members were informed of the following DECISION NOTICES by CDC. Location Lilac Cottage, Church Street Matcon, London Road Lilac Cottage, Church Street Town Council's Brief Details Observations Installation of solar PV panels on the flat roof garage and relocation of existing solar thermal panels from the north end to the south end of the garage roof No Objection Permits Demolition of commercial units and construction of 9 residential units amendments to position of Plots 6, 7 and 8 and adjustment of finished floor levels for Spitfire Properties LLP at Matcon House N/A CDC Decision Permits Installation of solar PV panels on the flat roof garage and relocation of existing solar thermal panels from the north end to the south end of the garage roof No Objection Permits RESILIENCE COMMITTEE: Again in Cllr Harris absence Cllr Hooper gave this report. He said that he and Cllr Dutton, as CDC Ward District Councillors, had met with WODC/CDC Officers recently and walked around the town to discuss flood alleviation and to get an update on what is happening. Cllr Hooper said that the planned bunds would now not go ahead because the landowners would not give their consent. However, alternative solutions
Page 989 had been suggested, which he believed would be more effective than the bunds. A copy of the plans were given to all Members and he talked through the various ideas/solutions and thinking behind them. A copy of the updated CDC Insurance Letter had been placed in front of Members. This had been updated by the CDC. A member of public, who had been flooded in July 2007, said that he was disappointed with the update because a number of assurances given at the recent Mr Clifton Brown MP Flood Meeting had been omitted. He referred specifically to the assurance given at this meeting by the EA and GCC Highways to carry out annual maintenance of the culverts in the town. He said that this information had also been excluded from the Minutes of the same Meeting. Cllrs Hooper and Dutton said they would take this up with the relevant Officers. A deadline for completion of these works had been given as April 2012. The same parishioner also asked if the Council s workman could clear the ditch in Queen Victoria s Garden in conjunction with the adjacent riparian owners. He was given assurance by Cllr Hooper that this task will to be added to the Council s Workman s schedule. PARKS AND AMENETIES COMMITTEE (Incorporating Horse Pool): Cllr Heady reported that a member of public had requested that the Council place a litter bin between the Caravan Site entrance, Bourton Road, and the town. It was agreed that Cllrs Hooper and Heady would make a site visit to see if there was a suitable place to install a bin and would then report back to Council at the November meeting. She said that a couple of complaints had been received about the Horse Pool smelling badly. This had been taken up with the contractor, who takes care of the water quality, who was adamant that the pond did not smell and he had treated it on several occasions. Cllrs Hooper and Heady had independently visited the site and agreed that the water did not smell. There had also been concern that the water level was very low due to lack of rain. Again, the contractor had confirmed that the fish were fine and not distressed. The latter situation is to be monitored and appropriate action will be taken should the situation get worse. Clerk went on to report that graffiti had been removed from the back wall of the Wendy House in Queen Victoria s Garden. Two vandalised trees had been removed from the Blenheim Farm Public Open Space. Council s Workman has been concentrating on removing the ivy from the wall and trees in Festival Gardens, Swan Close. FINANCE AND POLICY COMMITTEE: Orders on the Treasurer were drawn as follows:- Payee Cheque No. Gross CDC DIRECT DEBIT 191.00 CDC DIRECT DEBIT 541.00 Lloyds TSB DIRECT DEBIT 17.22 Heart Internet DIRECT DEBIT 10.79 A E Fishery Supplies 3913 500.00 T B Sports Fencing Ltd 3914 3780.00 Batsford Timber Ltd 3915 60.00 HMRC 3916 2408.43 Talk Talk DIRECT DEBIT 17.42 GBD (Evesham) Limited 3917 2090.59 GPFA 3918 50.00 P Allen 3919 65.00 Petty Cash 3920 50.00 K Norton 3920 20.00 RBL Poppy Appeal 3922 74.00 Playground Services Ltd 3923 1044.00 Viking Direct 3924 147.82 All VAT on above items reclaimed in full.
RESOLVED expenditure approved. RECORD OF VOTING All in favour. Cllr Lane-Burford arranged a Finance & Policy Committee Meeting for 6.30 pm on Thursday 20 th October 2011. ALLOTMENTS COMMITTEE: Cllr Hancox said that the Minutes of the Meeting held on 28 th September will be circulated in due course. He said he had nothing else to report. Page 990 CEMETERIES COMMITTEE: Cllr Lane-Burford confirmed that the Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 21 st September 2011 had been placed in front of Members. She reported that the Top Cemetery Chapel had been broken into last week. Nothing was stolen but a piece of equipment had been pushed into the next field and had been retrieved by the Council s workman. She commented that with the Skate Park going ahead, in the adjacent field, that she still felt strongly that before it is completed the partially completed Cemetery fence should be in situ. Cllr Hooper also confirmed that Cala or Bloor Homes will supply some top soil to fill up the walled garden in the Bottom Cemetery. SKATE & SPORTS SUB COMMITTEE: Cllr Whitworth said she had nothing else to report. REDESDALE HALL: Nothing to report except the last Redesdale Hall Management Committee Meeting had to be postponed as it was inquorate. COMMUNITY POLICE REPORT: No report given as no one present from the local Police. TO CONSIDER RESPONSE REQUIRED FOR CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL: Name Content Action GCC Application for Temporary Road Closure for Service Road by Shops in High Street for Christmas Market from 9.00 to 2100 hours on Saturday 26 th November 2011 NHS Gloucestershire Cotswolds Conservation Board GUiDE & PALS Information Bus. Requesting permission to utilise High Street Car Park to park Information Bus to promote their free and confidential health and social care information advice and support service for Gloucestershire residents. They would like to come on Friday 2 nd December and then on a regular bais thereafter and suggesting once every six weeks. Parish Liaison Meeting 15 th November 2011 at Council Offices in Witney 6.30 to 8.30 pm RESOLVED No Objection. RECORD OF VOTING All in favour. Permission granted to utilise area north of War Memorial on 2 nd December as a one off and if successful will consider giving permission for it to park up on a regular basis. Cllr Hooper said he would like to attend if available and would let the Clerk know. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: Cllr Heady asked if the Council would consider Membership of the Gloucestershire Market Town Forum. Cllr Hooper replied saying this is something that the Council had considered on several occasions in the past. It was agreed that this be placed as an Agenda Item for a Meeting in the New Year. Clerk reported that the new website was going well and looking good. However, there will be a delay on the website launch due to new Membership hopefully coming on board. A lot of the copy will have altered in view of recent Membership changes and also the new Members details will need including and until they are on board these changes be completed. She therefore suggested that the Council aim for a launch date of 1 st January 2012.
Page 991 MEETING CLOSED: At 8.45 pm. NEXT MEETING: Monday 14 th November 2011 at 7.00 pm. Confirmed at a meeting of the Council this.... 2011 Chairman