Minutes of the meeting of the Kesgrave Town Council held on Monday 11th January 2010 at 7.15pm in the Council Chamber.
| Present: | Mr K Beecroft (Chairman) | Mr P Mills |
| | Mr R Bridgeman | Mrs S Ogden (Vice Chairman & District Cllr) |
| | Mr A Comber | Mrs E Smith |
| | Mr R Haskell | Rev R Spittle |
| | Mr G Lynch | Mr R Walkling |
| In attendance: | Mrs V R Read (Clerk to the Town Council) |
| | Mrs J Francis (Deputy Clerk to the Town Council) |
| | Mr M Grimwood (District Councillor) – left at 9.00pm |
| | Mrs M Neale (District Councillor) |
1. Apologies
| Mrs S Coupe | – Illness |
| Mrs S Evans | – Work commitments |
| Mrs N Goodchild | – Illness |
| Mrs J Klaschka | – Illness |
| Mr C Pryke | – Family commitments |
| Mr S Hudson (County Councillor) | – Bad weather |
| Mrs D McCallum (District Councillor) | – Illness |
2. Declarations of Interest
Mr Bridgeman declared a personal interest in item 12, Boundary Review, being an employee of Ipswich Borough Council, and remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.
Mrs Ogden declared a personal interest in item 12, Boundary Review, being a member of another authority, and remained in the meeting and took part in consideration and discussion of the matter.
3. Minutes of the last regular meeting held on 14th December 2009
The minutes having been circulated were taken as read and approved and the minutes signed by the Chairman.
4. Matters arising
a. Late items for information None.
5. Resolution to exclude the Public under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960
This Council resolves that the public and the press be excluded for consideration of Item 6. Confidential Note regarding Item 7.a.i. of 8th June meeting and subsequent papers, since publicity would prejudice the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business, and that these matters be deferred to follow item 18 on the agenda.
The following item was taken after Item 19 and is minuted there.
6. Confidential Note regarding Item 7.a.i. of 8th June meeting and subsequent papers
7. Reports from Chairman and Vice Chairman
The Chairman reported:-
– Unfortunately, at the last hour, he had been unable to attend the 12PT meeting held on 16th December 2009 however, the Clerk was in attendance and he thanked her for the written report which had been circulated to Members;
– the Evening of Reflection had been cancelled due to bad weather however stars which had been received at the Office were hung on the Cedar Tree over the Christmas period;
– he had attended the Youth Forum on 5th January.
The Vice Chairman had nothing to report.
An adjournment was declared:
– to receive reports from the County and District Councillors, Police and Local History Recorder
Mr Grimwood, District Councillor, read to Council an article published in the Evening Star regarding the current situation on the Boundary Review.
Mrs Ogden, as District Councillor, reported:
- the last phase for the twin bin system in Kesgrave would be rolled out in March;
- the bin services for SCDC had been erratic because of the bad weather but operatives had worked hard to ensure not too much disruption was experienced;
- SCDC will hold a Bin Service Road Show at the Community Centre to coincide with the next roll out.
Mrs Neale reported on:
- the current situation regarding the Boundary Review;
- available funding for the over 70's on benefits, to assist with loft re-organisation to enable insulation to be installed;
- Art Event Workshops;
- Athletics Taster Sessions to be held at Farlingaye Sports Centre.
PCSO Byde received no questions on the report by A/Sgt Hammond, which had been circulated.
Mr Walkling queried the parking policy with PCSO Byde and asked why persistent offenders were not being targeted. PCSO Byde stated any driver found to be causing a first parking offence would usually receive a warning notice and for any further instances receive a ticket. Mr Walkling stated he knew of persistent offenders in Wilkinson Drive, Peasey Gardens and Century Drive; PCSO Byde thanked him for this information and stated these would be monitored.
– to allow members of the public to speak
As no members of the public were present the meeting was reconvened.
8. Notices and Correspondence
A copy of the lists of Notices and Correspondence and Reports, including those for information only, were issued to each Councillor and are attached at Annex 1 to the permanent copy of these minutes.
a. Items for Discussion
| 1.D. | There was no discussion regarding the Community Magazines. | |
| 5.D. | Suffolk Constabulary had sent a letter of appreciation for partnership working on PCSO together with a shield. | |
| 6.D. | A Suffolk County Council poster regarding Open Weekend for 2012 Olympics celebrations had been received and Members were given details about the funding available. | |
| 7.D. | Thank you for the donation from KTC from Headway had been received | |
| 11.D | Suffolk Acre had written asking for responses regarding Post Office Services. Members were issued with a copy of the letter for them to respond individually if they so wished. | |
b. Councillor Representative Reports
| 1.I. | Report of attendance at the 12PT Meeting held on 16th December – report by the Clerk |
c. Police Matters report
| 1 | 12PT Monthly Parish Council report – by A/Sgt Kay Hammond and is held on file. |
9. Financial Matters
a. Receipts and Payments Copies of the statements of Receipts and Payments were issued to each Councillor and are attached at Annex 2 to the permanent copy of these minutes. Council agreed the Receipts & Payments be accepted with no further discussion and settlement of the accounts was approved.
b. Transfer between accounts Council agreed a transfer of £8,700 be made from the Instant Access Saver Account to the Ordinary Account.
c. Transfer of Reserve Funds No funds needed to be transferred.
d. Late items for information None.
10. Planning and Development Matters
a. Planning applications received since 11th December 2009 The 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 3 to the permanent copy of these minutes.
b. Street naming A request for a name for the development to the rear of 305 and 307 Main Road had been received, with a developer suggestion of East View, a reason being the development is east of Ipswich. Members agreed this was not appropriate and also agreed with the suggestion of Buggs View. This was put forward in memory of Norman Bugg who had been a Councillor for many years, was a past Chairman of both the Council and the P&D Committee and had died in 2008. The development is in site of the General Store run by Mr Bugg's parents for many years and can also be viewed from the rear of Mr Bugg's own property. His widow has been consulted and would be delighted if this name could be used. The Clerk will advise SCDC. Later: SCDC confirmed East View had been agreed. The Clerk advised Mrs Ogden in her capacity as District Councillor of this decision and who agreed to follow this up with the District Council.
c. Late items for information Members were advised:
– the target date for a decision on C09/1269, Area FF, has been extended again but a revised plan is expected this month. When this is received the Clerk will advise all Members as further consultation will take place.
– a letter had been received from SCC regarding the Children's Centre, giving detail on how the parking challenges envisaged by the Town Council will be addressed. The letter was summarised to Council and is held on file. It was agreed the Clerk will acknowledge the letter, suggesting an arrangement be made with Orwell Vets for the Children's Centre Staff to use their car park. Walk and cycle leaflets will also be provided.
11. Recreation and Amenities Matters
a. Roads, footways and footpaths A number of requests have been received regarding grit bins and the Deputy Clerk appraised Council of the situation with regard to provision. Although it is possible for the Council to purchase bins and for these to be filled by SCC, a licence agreement naming who will be responsible for spreading the grit would be necessary. Previous advice from Zurich had confirmed that only having bins in certain places could lead to claims of Council inconsistency by residents and if gritting was not performed on an occasion when an accident happened, again claims against the Council could be made. Members were also aware there have been reports of sand and grit being removed illegally from bins and of the fire risk of the bins at other times.
It was agreed that there has been exceptionally bad weather in the last few weeks and in view of the information available no bins will be purchased. The above information will be explained to anyone asking for bins.
b. Late items for information Members were informed the 2010 Guide is with the printer and will be included in the February edition of Kesgrave News. The map in the centre of the Guide this year is a compilation of the street map with bus routes and cycle routes. Separate leaflets will be available, a number will be issued to the usual outlets for them to issue as they see fit, and will be downloadable from the Kesgrave website. Leaflets in colour will also be on sale from the Council offices at 10p a sheet.
12. Boundary Review
A draft letter had been issued to Members with their agenda and it was agreed this should be forwarded to the Secretary of State. A copy is attached to the permanent copy of these minutes at Annex 4. Members were mindful of Mrs Neale's report at the adjournment but agreed they should be making their own statement and did not need to wait until SCDC have decided on their response.
13. Grange Lane
Members were advised a Preliminary Notice of General Vesting Declaration relating to acquisition of land has been made and a certified copy and associated Notice had been received. These are to made available for public inspection until 15th February and are held on file.
14. Kesgrave Allotment Association Nothing to report.
15. Retrospective Debate
a. Play equipment Members had been issued with the report by Mr Walkling which is attached at Annex 5 to these minutes. A number of photos were circulated and are held on file. With the exception of that at Cedarwood Green, the equipment in Kesgrave belongs to SCDC who are responsibly for it. It was confirmed also that if equipment was replaced like for like then SCDC would retain responsibility but alternative or additional equipment paid for by the Town or through external funding would not be SCDC's responsibility even though it is on District land.
Members consider that the provision for the younger children falls short of that in other parishes, both in quality and standard of maintenance and there should be some attempt to rectify the situation. In the first instance the Clerk will write to SCDC to open a dialogue on this topic.
16. Quality Status
a. Training Needs Analysis
A number of dates have been offered by SALC for the training session being arranged to be held with Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council. Only one Tuesday has been offered in February but Rushmere have 5 attendees. Kesgrave Members were asked to confirm if this date is suitable for them also. Six people indicated they could attend and a further two are possible attendees. The Clerk will therefore confirm with SALC that the course should be held on the 23rd and ask for starting times. Members were reminded that if they having committed to attend they should not default.
17. Report from Clerk and Press Officer
1. Members were reminded the Annual Town Meeting this year will be held on 22nd March at the KWMCC.
2. David Offord, Postmaster at Penzance Road for over 30 years, is due to retire this month. A collection is being made and contributions can be handed in, and cards signed, at the Butchers and the One Stop Shop at Penzance Road or the 2nd Stop Shop or the Council Office. An article to this effect will be placed in the February issue of Kesgrave News and the collection will be held open for the first two weeks of February. It was agreed that if the organisers wish to do so the Council will be happy for any presentation to Mr and Mrs Offord to be made at the Annual Town Meeting. Mr Walkling suggested that Mr Offord could be nominated for the Council's Service to the Community Award scheme. Mrs Ogden stated that both Mr and Mrs Offord had previously received this award and reminded Council the R&A Committee had agreed not to hold these Awards this year.
3. Changes of Committee meeting dates and times are as follows:
P&D will now meet on 1st February at 7.30pm
R&A will therefore meet on 25th January at 7.30pm
Articles for inclusion in Kesgrave News will be:–
Page 3 Do you need a room?, the Guide and availability of individual map leaflets.
Others
Annual Town Meeting
Kesgrave Lawn Cemetery Tenders
Evening of Reflection cancellation
18 To receive such other communication or matters of sufficient urgency and importance that the Chairman will allow for discussion
None.
19. Date of next meeting – Monday 8th February 2010 in the Council Chamber
No members of the Public were present and Council was able to then consider the following.
6. Confidential Note regarding Item 7.a.i. of 8th June meeting and subsequent papers
Some further information had been made available to the Council since the October meeting which needed consideration.
The debate which followed is minuted, as before, as a confidential note and is held on file.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.20pm
Chairman
