MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BUNTINGFORD TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, THE MANOR HOUSE AT 8.00PM ON THURSDAY 24TH JUNE 2010.
Present: Councillors S. Basra (Town Mayor), J .Noades (Deputy Town Mayor), J.Ling, B.Austin, J.Warren, D.Ginn, S.A.Bull, Mrs D.Lemay, Mrs E.Woods, Mrs T.Bonner and Mrs J.Cook.
Also Present: 7 members of the public, 1 member of the press, 5 Members of the Youth Council (left 8.20pm) and Sgt. D.Wallace.
Officer Present: Jill Jones (Town Clerk).
072. TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Apologies were tendered by Councillor Whittaker.
073. PRAYERS
Prayers were led by the Chairman.
074. TO RECEIVE MEMBERS DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
Personal
D.Lemay - Buntingford Charities and SWCC Extension.
E.Woods - Hare Street Road Playing Field.
S.A.Bull - Norfolk Road Playing Field
Personal/Prejudicial
B.Austin - Brambles Public House.
075. TO INVITE HERTS POLICE TO ADDRESS THE MEETING AND TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE COMMUNITY PRIDE PROGRAMME.
Sgt Wallace reported that since the last meeting there has been a further five incidents reported. Members of the Neighbourhood Team have been supporting various activities, the World Cup has had a significant impact on staffing requirements. There was an altercation outside the Black Bull on Friday evening and two arrests were made with reprimands. Police have spoken and worked with the Cricket Club and particular attention has been paid to the Norfolk Road area. Police had been present to support the Carnival, which had been well organised and went well. Also the ‘Any Questions’ evening and the visit of the fair. There has been metal theft in rural areas and three persons have been arrested in connection with this. Police had attended the last Community Voice meeting where anti social behaviour had been raised, assurances had been given that policing levels will be maintained. The Community Garden project is being moved on. Finally, Sgt Wallace stated that he had been speaking with Councillor Warren to promote the ‘Big Lunch’ in Buntingford. He asked if the Council would be receptive to holding this in the Manor House garden in the marquee, the idea is to bring organisations together for the day.
The Chairman thanked Sgt Wallace for his report.
076. TO INVITE BUNTINGFORD YOUTH COUNCIL TO PRESENT TO THE TOWN COUNCIL THEIR PROPOSALS FOR A MUSIC EVENT ON CLASSIC CAR DAY.
The Youth Council Chairman, Alex Grainge, reported that two years ago the Youth Council had held a successful music festival which had been well supported by the Town Council and the Police and had helped breach the gap between the young and the old of the town. There is no grant funding available this year to repeat the event. The Youth Council has been approached by a member of the Classic Car Committee to stage a music event on Classic Car Day. It was felt that this would keep the momentum going. The Youth Council asked if they could have a small stage in the Manor House Car Park, erected on the Friday and dismantled on the Sunday. Access would be assured for residents of the Coach House and residents of the Almshouses would be invited to tea to assure them that music would stop at 10pm.
Councillor Warren asked who the approach had come from, he stated that this is a classic car event and any associated problems of late night music had not been discussed by the Committee, whoever had made the approach should talk to the Committee.
Councillor Mrs Woods stated that residents of the Almshouses had been upset on a previous year with loud music and she felt that the event would have to finish earlier than 10pm.
Councillor Bull felt that the Youth Council should be encouraged.
Councillor Mrs Bonner declared a personal interest as her husband is a member of the Classic Car Committee. This particular day is for the Classic Car show, groups in the town struggle for funds and the Youth Council is one more group. The Youth Council should do something on another day.
Councillor Noades stated that he believed the Council should let the young people have their music with the permission of the Classic Car Committee.
Following a proposal, second and unanimous vote it was RESOLVED That this Council allows the Youth Council to use the Manor House Car Park providing the Youth Council has the agreement of the Classic Car Show Organisers.
077. TO APPROVE AS A TRUE RECORD AND AUTHORISE THE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN, THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON 27TH MAY 2010.
Following a proposal, second and a vote of 9 in favour and 2 abstentions it was RESOLVED That the Minutes are a true record and the Chairman was authorised to sign them.
Councillor Austin stated that the resolution to suspend Standing Orders had not been seconded. Councillor Cook responded that this should have been raised before the Minutes had been approved. It was noted that the resolution had been seconded by Councillor Whittaker but had been omitted from the Minutes.
078. TO APPROVE AS A CORRECT RECORD AND AUTHORISE THE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON 27TH MAY 2010.
Following a proposal, second and a vote of 8 in favour and 3 abstentions it was RESOLVED That the minutes are a true record and the Chairman was authorised to sign them.
079. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT.
The Chairman reported that he had attended the Sawbridgeworth Civic Service and the Civic Reception in Ware. He had also attended the Tattoo at Haileybury College.
The Chairman stated that the Carnival had been very successful and he congratulated the organisers. The Chairman had also attended a dinner with the visitors from Olvega and congratulated the Twinning Committee for winning the Carnival Cup. The Chairman concluded by reminding members of the Civic Reception to be held the following day, which he hoped all would attend. Councillor Ling stated that he had already tendered his apologies.
080. CLERK’S REPORT.
The Clerk stated that she had nothing to report.
081. TO INVITE MEMBERS TO ASK QUESTIONS AND TO PUT FORWARD ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION BY COMMITTEE.
Councillor Austin asked if the advice that the Clerk had received from HAPTC with regard to the suspension of Standing Orders could be considered.
Councillor Ling responded that this has already been taken into account by the working party, once that is in front of the Council it should be considered.
082. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE AMENITIES COMMITTEE HELD ON 3RD JUNE 2010.
Following a proposal, second and a vote of 8 in favour and 3 abstentions the report was adopted.
083. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE RESOURCES COMMITTEE HELD ON THE 10TH JUNE 2010.
The recommendation was That non-statutory Standing Orders should not be suspended on less than one weeks notice.
Councillor Bull expressed concern that if there was an emergency situation, the Council would have to wait a week before suspending Standing Orders. Councillor Ling stated that the Working Party had already considered this and one issue that is important is that we would want any proposal for the suspension of Standing Orders to include the reason why.
Councillor Bull stated that he did not like the exclusion of ex-officio members from the Working Party.
Councillor Bonner stated that she had been on holiday when the Annual meeting had been held. She added that she had been ashamed when she had read the newspaper report, we are here to serve the town and cannot see why one rule should be changed to suit individuals own feelings. She had nothing against Councillor Basra being Mayor, but it had not been done fairly.
Councillor Mrs Woods state that she had been extremely upset to hear of events.
Councillor Austin read out a passage from the Model Code of Conduct and stated that if Councillor Bonner believes that the suspension of Standing Orders was contrary to the Code of Conduct then Standing Orders state that she must report the member responsible to the Standards Committee.
Councillor Basra stated that the election of Mayor had been a majority decision.
Councillor Bonner stated that there had not been a Full Council present on the night.
Councillor Bull responded that the meeting had been quorate.
Councillor Mrs Lemay stated that the working party will look at the process of electing a Mayor.
It was agreed that Councillors Ginn, Mrs Bonner and Mrs Woods would join the working party that had been formed to look at Standing Orders and the process for electing a Mayor.
It was agreed that the recommendation would not be moved but taken back to the working party for further investigation.
Following a proposal second and a vote of 9 in favour, 1 against and 1 abstention the report of the meeting was adopted.
084. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE REPORTS OF THE MEETINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD ON 27TH MAY 2010 AND 10TH JUNE 2010.
Following a proposal, second and unanimous vote the reports of the meetings were adopted.
085. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT.
Councillor Bull reported that he had attended an LDF meeting where he had noted a large amount of conditions for Buntingford, however, there is nothing moving at the moment. Councillor Bull reported that he had also attended the Rural Parish Conference where Sgt. Wallace had made a good presentation.
The fair had a successful weekend with no problems.
Councillor Warren had nothing further to add.
086. TO RECEIVE REPORT OF PAYMENTS MADE JUNE 2010.
Following a proposal, second and a requested recorded vote of 10 in favour (EW,JW,JN,SBas,S.Bull, DG, DL,JC,BA,JL) and 1 abstention (TB) it was RESOLVED That the report of payments made June 2010 is approved and the Chairman was authorised to sign it. (Copy attached).
087. TO AGREE THAT THE UNDER VALUE OF LAND TO BE DISPOSED OF AT NORFOLK ROAD PLAYING FIELD AND THE SETH WARD COMMUNITY CENTRE IS OUTWEIGHED BY THE CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF THE SOCIAL WELL-BEING WITHIN THE AREA.
Following a proposal, second and a vote of 9 in favour and 2 abstentions it was RESOLVED That the under value of land to be disposed of, by way of a 25 year lease, at Norfolk Road Playing Field (£7,500) and The Seth Ward Community Centre (£5,250), is outweighed by the contribution to the promotion of the social well-being within the area.
The Chairman adjourned the meeting.
088. TO INVITE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO ASK QUESTIONS OF THE COUNCIL.
Mrs C.Warren. Stated that there was a moral duty to state why Standing Orders should be suspended, this has not put the Council in a good light.
S.Lawson Smith – Stated that Councillor Basra had made a good Mayor over the past two years and he was sure the same would go for the forthcoming year, the same for Councillor Warren who has many achievements including the Christmas lights and Classic Car Show. The current squabbling does not represent the Council very well. Mr Lawson Smith stated he would like to see a united Council representing Buntingford as a place to live, do business and relax, he asked if there is anyone available to do that and how would they go about it.
The Chairman responded that he had attended many functions and had received a letter from the Prime Minister of Indian and the High Commissioner. He had sent 160 cards internationally promoting Buntingford.
Councillor Ginn stated that either candidate would do a good job representing the town and asked if the matter could now be moved on.
Councillor Mrs Woods stated it is up to individual Councillors to ensure they support the officers and the Mayor and pull together to represent the town and do the job they are elected to do.
Mrs Joyce – Monks Walk. Stated that if the Council can’t get on she is losing faith in it.
Mrs Boulden – Monks Walk. Stated that she thought the Council should support the Youth Council.
Meeting re-convened.
089. EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC.
Following a proposal, second and a unanimous vote it was RESOLVED That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to the transacted, it is advisable in the public interest that the press and public be excluded, and they are hereby instructed to withdraw,
Members of the press, public and the Clerk left the room.
090. CONSIDERATION OF CLERK’S WORKING HOURS.
Following a proposal, second and unanimous vote it was RESOLVED That the Buntingford Town Council Clerk should be awarded a full time post as from 1st August 2010.
With the consent of members present, the Chairman gave permission for the Manor House Garden and marquee to be used on 18th July for the Community Lunch.
Meeting closed 9.55pm.
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