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Minutes of the meeting of the Kesgrave Town Council held on Monday 14th January 2008 at 7.15pm in the Council Chamber.

Present:

In attendance:

1. Apologies

Mr N Bugg – illness
Mr C Dowsett – work commitments


2. Declarations of Interest

Mr Bridgeman declared a personal interest in item 7a, Financial Matters, payments to KWMCC, being a member of the KWMCC remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mr Briggs declared a personal interest in item 7a, Financial Matters, payments to KWMCC, being a member of the KWMCC remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mr Comber declared a personal interest in item 7a, Financial Matters, payments to KWMCC, being a member of the KWMCC remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mrs Klaschka declared a personal interest in item 7a, Financial Matters, payments to KWMCC, being a trustee of the KWMCC remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mr Mills declared a personal interest in item 7a, Financial Matters, payments to KWMCC, being a trustee of the KWMCC remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mrs Ogden declared a personal interest in item 7a, Financial Matters, payments to KWMCC, being a trustee of the KWMCC remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mr Bridgeman declared a personal interest in item 12, Annual Reception, being a member of the KWMCC remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mr Briggs declared a personal interest in item 12, Annual Reception, being a member of the KWMCC remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mr Comber declared a personal interest in item 12, Annual Reception, being a member of the KWMCC remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mrs Klaschka declared a personal interest in item 12, Annual Reception, being a trustee of the KWMCC remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mr Mills declared a personal interest in item 12, Annual Reception, being a trustee of the KWMCC remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mrs Ogden declared a personal interest in item 12, Annual Reception, being a trustee of the KWMCC remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mr Bridgeman declared a personal interest in item 15, Kesgrave Community Trust, being a member of the KWMCC and a member of Spark remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mr Briggs declared a personal interest in item 15, Kesgrave Community Trust, being a member of the KWMCC, Spark and Working Party remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mr Comber declared a personal interest in item 15, Kesgrave Community Trust, being a member of the KWMCC and a member of Spark remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mrs Klaschka declared a personal interest in item 15, Kesgrave Community Trust, being a trustee of the KWMCC remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mr Mills declared a personal interest in item 15, Kesgrave Community Trust, being a trustee of the KWMCC and Chairman of Spark remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

Mr Ogden declared a personal interest in item 15, Kesgrave Community Trust, being a trustee of the KWMCC,a member of Spark and the Working Party remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.

At this point in the meeting the Chairman informed Council that at the request of Mrs Goodchild, the Clerk, will read a prepared statement and stressed no discussion would follow. A copy of this statement was later issued to members.


3. Minutes of the last regular meeting held on 10th December 2007

The minutes of the last meeting having been circulated were taken as read, approved and signed by the Chairman.


4. Matters arising

a. Late items for information None.


5. Chairman’s Report

The Chairman stated he had nothing to report other than his attendance at the Annual Reception.

An adjournment was declared:

- to receive reports from the County and District Councillors, Police, Crime Prevention representatives, Public Transport Liaison Officer and Local History Recorder

Mr Hudson, County Councillor, stated SCC members had received a presentation on the Unitary Status by the Chief Executive discussing various possible outcomes.

Mr Klaschka, as County Councillor, reported on:

– Unitary Status and the implications of the Boundary Committee involvement;

– the continuation of talks to resolve the overcrowding problems on Bus Service 66;

– the latest improvement scheme for Dobbs Lane/Grange Lane junction and the intention to reinstate the Working Group;

– two bids which have been submitted for two proposed improvements to Foxhall Road, one at its junction with Bell Lane and the second within the Rushmere St Andrew boundary.

Mrs McCullum, District Councillor reported:

– in response to complaints regularly received regarding the problem of driving off the Grange Farm development, during peak periods, she has stated she will, when necessary, highlight these concerns at SCDC Development Control, if an application is likely to exacerbate the situation;

– the Bell Project has not operated for some weeks but in response to a request from the Youth, as Publican she has agreed, as a trial, to offer the facilities in the afternoons 2/3 times a week during the Easter holidays as an alternative meeting place.

Mrs Ogden, as District Councillor, reported on:

– the Suffolk Coastal web site and the invaluable information therein asking if it could be brought to the attention of residents through Kesgrave News. The Clerk will include details of the site in her next article;

– Suffolk Coastal 'Spring Clean' where individuals/groups can volunteer to organise local litter picks.

Mr Grimwood, District Councillor, informed Council:

– Suffolk Coastal Planning Department now has a choice of 26 application forms available when applying for planning permission;

– SCC Highways has delegated some of its lesser powers to SCDC regarding areas within 30mph zones not including Class A or B roads.

Mr Klaschka, as District Councillor, reported on the Boundary Committee's possible proposition for Kesgrave and Rushmere to be incorporated within Ipswich and the strong representation which will come from SCDC against the proposal.

Mrs Neale, District Councillor reported on:

– the masterplan for future development for Felixstowe and the Green Thumb Sports Awards which can be found on the Suffolk Coastal web site;

– on a proposal, which will be a pilot scheme in Kesgrave, to find funding for a co-ordinator who will assist the elderly and to also join with younger people in various projects;

– the Unitary bid and the comparisons between Ipswich and SCDC regarding the priorities in spending and various services.

Sergeant Richardson, SNT, stated crimes recorded for the period April to December 2007 were down 11.8% from those reported in the previous year. He also stated that after several months on light duties it is hoped PC Root will soon be back on the team.

Mrs Brown, as LHR, in response to a request for information on Reverend Sewell Wontner had sent

photographs to Australia. However she had not received a good response regarding a request locally for old photographs of Kesgrave.

Mrs Brown, as PTLO, has again been explaining to residents any complaints regarding a Bus Service must be reported to the Bus Company involved as soon as practicably possible and not through her which delays the investigative procedure.

- Presentation by Andrew Pearce, SCC Project Engineer, on Grange Lane Improvements Scheme

Mr Pearce gave a brief presentation to Members on the latest revised scheme for the Grange Lane/Dobbs Lane junction and answered Members questions. Council thanked Mr Pearce for attending the meeting and answering questions on this very important and long standing issue. Mr Pearce left the meeting.

- Presentation by Sergeant Mick Richardson, SNT, on Speedwatch and 3PT Membership

Sgt Richardson highlighted issues contained in the documents which are attached at Annex 1 and 2 to the permanent copy of these minutes and which had previously been issued to Members. Some questions were asked of Sgt Richardson on the membership of 3PT and it was explained some organisations in Rushmere and Martlesham similar to the Kesgrave organisations which do take part, had been invited to attend meetings but had shown no interest in doing so. Sgt Richardson believed membership should be taken up by those who are willing, and have the ability and desire, to make a difference.

Mrs McCullum left the meeting


- to allow members of the public to speak

Mr Loades of Wilkinson Drive asked for information about the development on the land to the east of Fentons Wood. The Clerk explained the Reserved Matters application is still awaited and when lodged would be available for residents to view at both the Town Council and the District Council Office. As usual it would be appreciated if residents could copy comments sent to SCDC to KTC in order that the Town Council is able to support concerns if they consider they should do so. It was also emphasised individual letters should be sent as these carry more weight with the Development Control Committee than duplications or petitions.

Mr Copping expressed his disappointment that Council had not publicly rebutted the statement made by a Councillor in the press in August 2007 on racial harassment. The Clerk explained that comments by individual Councillors are not those of the Town Council as a body; as a general rule Council comments are given by their Press Officer.

Mr Copping also raised the issue of how best to revise the S66 bus service, not just by adding additional buses which are unable to travel through the bus link but by adapting the bus link to accommodate all buses. Mr Klaschka offered to correspond with Mr Copping on this issue and the Clerk asked that the Town Council should be copied in on this in order that relevant information on this subject of which the Town Council should be aware is made available to them also.

Mr Grimwood, Mrs Brown and all but one member of the public left.

Mr Klaschka left the room, returning during item 9a.

6. Notices and Correspondence

a. The Local Councillor It had been anticipated this would arrive in time for the meeting but it had not been received.

b. Other Items for Discussion

10.D. A thank you letter had been received from SCDC Chairman to KTC Chairman for inviting him to the Annual Reception

13.D. Information from SCC printed in EADT during the Christmas period showed Kesgrave as the 9th largest Town by population, the Clerk has since been interviewed by Suffolk Radio on this issue.

18.D. Members were informed there are to be SALC Councillor Training courses in February; interested Councillors were asked to contact the Clerks.

A copy of the lists of Notices and Correspondence, including those for information only, and Reports and Mandates received were issued to each Councillor and are attached at Annex 3 to the permanent copy of these minutes.


7. Financial Matters

The Council resolved that in accordance with its powers under Sections 137 and 139 of the Local Government Act 1972, it should incur expenditure with respect to a grant to Kesgrave Library which, in the opinion of the Council is in the interest of the area or its inhabitants and is cost effective.

a. Receipts and Payments Copies of the statements of Receipts and Payments were issued to each Councillor and are attached at Annex 4 to the permanent copy of these minutes. Council agreed the Receipts and Payments be accepted with no further discussion and settlement of the accounts was approved

b. Transfer between accounts Council agreed that £13,439 be transferred from the Current Account to the Tracker Account following receipt of Play and Sports Space Contributions earlier in the month.

c. Transfer of Reserve Funds None.

d. Late items for information The Clerk informed Council of the information received from SCDC with regard to the Precept. SCDC consider there to be an increase in Band D equivalent properties of 207.3 and the Precept of £155,000 will therefore result in a payment per Band D property of £32.54 a year.


8. Planning and Development Matters

a. Planning applications received since 7th December 2007The list of planning applications where comment was required, those which were not contentious and the decisions received, had been issued to each Councillor and is attached at Annex 5 to the permanent copy of these minutes. Those plans for which comment was required were displayed and further comments were invited, but none were made. The P&D Committee then approved this list and the comments en bloc.

b. Street naming None.

c. Late items for information Mr Beecroft raised the issue of the land still to bedeveloped to the east of Fentons Wood and the stipulation in the Masterplan that 1 acre of the woodland would be felled to accommodate 5 houses. He explained that since the 1980's several changes have been made to the Masterplan and there is a groundswell of opinion the wood should remain untouched providing a valuable area of wooded public open space and wildlife habitat. Members agreed with this sentiment and it was acknowledged that when the Reserved Matters application is forthcoming it may be necessary to hold a P&D meeting in order to accommodate members of the public who might wish to voice their concerns to the Town Council.


9. Recreation and Amenities Matters

a. Roads, footways and footpaths Council considered the issue of Speed Watch in the light of Sgt Richardson's presentation and asked further questions. Some concerns were expressed on the risk to volunteers, whether investing in purchase of equipment would result in a worthwhile outcome and whether volunteers would be forthcoming. After lengthy discussion it was agreed to submit an article for Kesgrave News asking if residents would consider volunteering if Council were to support this scheme, and to ask the neighbouring Clerks to do the same.

b. Late items for information Mrs Evans asked if there had been progress on the need for attention to the surface of the Bell Lane Long Strops car park and the Clerk advised that Kesgrave Covenant Ltd have been approached and will attend to this.


10. Project Officer Report

Members had been issued with copies of Miss Hall's report which is attached at Annex 6 to the permanent copy of these minutes.

a. Detached Youth Workers A meeting is to be held next week between Miss Hall, the Clerk and two County Officers to consider why Detached Youth Workers have not been appointed and if there is any hope for this to be accomplished.

b. Other Issues Members attention was drawn to the projects now to be undertaken by Miss Hall. Council welcomed this proposed progress and it was agreed the Rupert Fison and Lawn Cemetery matters will be reported to R&A and the Risk Assessments will be considered by F&R.


11. Youth Provision

a. Youth Club Mr Beecroft informed Council that the new Senior worker appointed at the end of 2007 has since resigned; Mr Ormston is overseeing the Youth Club evening in the interim.

b. Other Youth Issues Council in the Class will be conducted at Cedarwood School on Friday 18th.


12. Annual Reception

Some discussion was held on the Annual Reception. Despite the larger venue and increased invitation list numbers had been the same as previous years. It was agreed using the conservatory for the food had not aided networking and comments had been received there was little convivial and Christmas atmosphere. Members were informed that if the generous offer of the facility is to be taken up in future years then the way in which catering is provided will need to be reconsidered. There was a suggestion that other venues might be investigated and perhaps used on a rotation basis and it was agreed the Clerks will seek further information to be brought to the February meeting.


13. Annual Town Meeting

Members were reminded that the Annual Town Meting will be held this year on 19th May in the Conference Suite at the Community Centre.


14. Ipswich Unitary Status

Council welcomed the interest shown by both District and County Councils in not losing Kesgrave and its neighbours to an Ipswich Unitary Authority. It is too early for the Town Council to decide on their stance as insufficient information is available at present but it is hoped both the District and County Council will keep the Town Council informed of their endeavours so a united, and therefore most productive, front may be presented.


15. Kesgrave Community Trust

Members had been issued with copies of the Draft Statement of Corporate Governance and made comments on various aspect that they wished raised at the Working Party meeting. They were asked to forward any additional comments to the Clerk for collating the week before the meeting to be held on 30th January.


16. Grange Lane

Having been apprised earlier in the meeting that the Working Group is to be reinstated on the Grange Lane issue Members expressed their thoughts on how they wished the junction to be dealt with. It was acknowledged that there are conflicting needs for people who travel through this junction but while regretting the need to abandon the innovative design agreed previously if it can be shown that what is put in place is no worse than that which exists then the pragmatic approach is necessary.

While the introduction of the 20's Plenty scheme would be welcome concern was expressed:

– as had been expressed some months before, that separating the pedestrians from the cyclists could make the cyclists vulnerable with drivers focussing on the pedestrian crossing and stopping on the junction itself;

– that the pavement on the eastern side of Dobbs Lane is not wide enough to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians;

– prohibition notices for vehicles should be provided for Dobbs Off as well as Grange Lane;

– over the necessity for speed humps.

Mr Klaschka stated that SID has demonstrated that few vehicles travel at excess speeds elsewhere in the Town and therefore the introduction of Speed humps at Dobbs Lane would not lead to calls for them elsewhere in Kesgrave.


17. Town Plan

Members were reminded of the meeting to be held at the Community Centre on 12th February at 7.00pm to launch the Town Plan revisions. An article will be submitted to Kesgrave News encouraging residents to attend and a notice placed in Council noticeboards, although it was noted this revision is to be Community led.


18. Report from Clerk and Press Officer

1. The work on the monument will commence this week.

2. A Calendar of meetings for 2008 had been included in members papers.

3. The Clerk is now working on her CiLCA portfolio. KTC will then be able to apply for Quality Status but one of the criteria is that any member who is not going to be present at a meeting MUST offer his/her apologies to the meeting for acceptance.

Articles for inclusion in February Kesgrave News will be submitted on:–
Page 3 Statistics and the Town Plan
Others Increase in Fido bag price Community Awards
Volunteers for SpeedwatchCouncil Websites


19. To receive such other communication or matters of sufficient urgency and importance that the Chairman will allow for discussion

None.


20. Date of next meeting – Monday 11th February 2008 in the Council Chamber

The Chairman closed the meeting at 10.06pm.

Chairman
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