Seaton Town Council
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
29th May 2007
PRESENT:
- Cllr Mrs S Semple (Chairman)
- Cllrs P Burrows
- Mrs P Collins
- L Garner
- M Greenyer
- J Knight
- J Meakin
- Miss S O’Connell
- R Palacio
- Mrs J Roebuck
- Mrs C Wise
IN ATTENDANCE:
Cllr Mrs M Rogers,PC Luke Owen,PCSO Mike McCaulay
APOLOGIES
Cllr G Jones
QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mrs Aedo of Trotters referred to a spate of charity collection box thefts in the town and asked the Council to urge the police to adopt a zero tolerance policy in respect of such crime in the town centre.
Mrs Cotterall asked Members to speak clearly, particularly for the benefit of those members of the public who faced the backs of councillors. She also requested them to clearly indicate how they were voting on resolutions. She requested the Council to consider changing the seating arrangements.
The Chairman proposed that agenda item 19 be taken under Standing Order 73. This was agreed.
43/07APOLOGIES
Apologies were accepted and approved.
44/07TO PROPOSE THAT THIS COUNCIL RE-AFFIRMS ITS POLICY THAT PARTY POLITICS IS NOT BROUGHT INTO THE WORK OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
It was so Resolved by 10 votes in favour and 1 abstention (Cllr Burrows)
45/07BEAT MANAGER’S REPORT
PC Owen advised that there had been 31 reported crimes in May, 10 of which had been detected. He said the main crime related to theft and criminal damage, particularly within the town centre, much of which was related to young people. He said that unacceptable behaviour contracts were expected to be served on two youths.
He referred to a multi-agency community action day planned for 20th July and hoped councillors would attend.
In response to a question relating to cctv, PC Owen confirmed that cctv would help in the town centre to reduce crime and increase detection rates.
P C Owen was asked whether the DCC youth street workers were liaising with the police. He replied that they were not, although the police would welcome the opportunity to work together.
PC Owen and PCSO Mike McCaulay were thanked for their report and then left the meeting.
46/07COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ WRITTEN REPORTS
As Members had not had the opportunity to read the reports, it was agreed to defer discussion on them until the next meeting. Cllr Mrs Rogers was asked, however, about whether the DCC youth workers might liaise with the police and other groups in the town in their work with the youth. She replied that she would talk to Lisa Rutter but believed everyone concerned had to be guided by the youth workers in respect of how they worked.
A discussion followed on the policy that reports should only be discussed if they were submitted prior to the meeting. Cllr Mrs Rogers pointed out that in order to meet the Council’s meeting dates, her reports would run a month late if they were to be circulated with Council agendas because of the way her meeting dates fell.
It was proposed, and agreed by 10 votes to 1, that reports should be submitted in writing prior to meetings.
47/07MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting held on 8th May 2007 were confirmed and signed by the chairman.
48/07TO RECEIVE AND ADOPT THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
The following committee meeting minutes were received and adopted:
- Planning, 26th March, 16th April and 23rd April 2007
- Personnel, 12th February 2007
49/07DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Knight declared an interest in all matters relating to EDDC, as a District Councillor;
Cllr Greenyer declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 19, quotation for work at allotments, as an allotment holder; and a prejudicial interest in agenda item 25, that he assist the Clerk with non-confidential clerical work;
Cllr Mrs Wise declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 19, quotation for work at allotments, as an allotment holder
50/07CHAIRMAN’S OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS
The Chairman advised that she had attended the Youth Town Council public meeting on 16th May and the opening of Hospiscare shop in Seaton on 26th May
51/07TO RECEIVE DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS ON MATTERS FROM THE DISTRICT COUNCIL RELEVANT TO THE TOWN COUNCIL
It was noted that the Council’s policy on submission of reports was not consistent and it was agreed by 10 votes and 1 abstention (Cllr Knight) that any reports from District Councillors on matters relevant to the Town Council should be submitted in writing prior to the meeting. Further, that this policy should apply to all reports submitted by councillors.
52/07TO PROPOSE THAT A YOUTH SUB-COMMITTEE BE FORMED, COMPRISING UP TO 5 MEMBERS
The proposal had been put forward in response to the large number of groups within the town working on the provision of new youth facilities
The proposal was unanimously agreed, with the option to co-opt from the public, membership comprising Cllrs P Burrows, Miss O’Connell, R Palacio, Mrs Roebuck and the chairman.
53/07TO PROPOSE THAT A TRAFFIC SUB-COMMITTEE BE ESTABLISHED COMPRISING UP TO 4 MEMBERS TO PROGRESS TRAFFIC REGULATIONS IN SEATON AND OTHER TRAFFIC MATTERS RELEVANT TO SEATON
The proposal was agreed in principle by 8 votes in favour and 2 abstentions (Cllrs Greenyer and Meakin), and that the committee, when formed, submit their findings to the Traffic Group.
54/07TO PROPOSE THAT A TOWN HALL TASK & FINISH FORUM BE ESTABLISHED COMPRISING UP TO 4 MEMBERS, TO INVESTIGATE AND REPORT BACK TO THE JULY COUNCIL MEETING ON WAYS OF IMPROVING THE ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF THE TOWN HALL
Standing Orders were suspended to enable Mr John Seward to contribute to the discussions. He said he believed that the town needed to be prepared to take over the running of the Town Hall and conclusions reached on the discussions that had been taking place between the previous Council and EDDC.
Standing Orders were re-imposed and the proposal was unanimously agreed, membership of the TAFF being Cllrs Garner, Burrows, Miss O’Connell, Mrs Collins and the chairman.
55/07TO CONFIRM APPOINTMENTS OF MEMBERS WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
It was noted that Cllr Jones was not able to continue with responsibility for the WHC Visitor Centre. Cllr Mrs Collins agreed to take his place. All other appointments agreed at the previous meeting were confirmed.
56/07ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS
These were agreed as follows:
- Seaton Locality Health & Care Team:- Cllr Burrows
- Axe Valley Local Action Group:- Cllrs Palacio & Miss O’Connell
- E Devon Police Consultative:- Cllr Miss O’Connell
- Seaton Town Hall Advisory Forum:- Cllr Burrows
- E Devon Rural Transport Forum:- Cllr Mrs Wise
- Seaton Development Trust:- Cllrs Mrs Collins and Mrs Wise
- Seaton Traffic Group:- Cllrs Garner and Meakin
- DAPC:- Cllr Greenyer
57/07TO PROPOSE THAT MONTHLY SURGERIES FOR THE PUBLIC CONTINUE
It was so Resolved, details agreed as follows:
- 9th June:- Cllrs Burrows and Mrs Collins
- 7th July:- Cllrs Palacio and Mrs Wise
- 11th August:- Cllrs Greenyer and Mrs Semple
- 8th September:- Cllrs Mrs Roebuck and Mrs Collins
all surgeries to take place from 10.00 am – 11.00 am
58/07TO CONSIDER DRAFT DCC MINERALS AND WASTE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Cllr Meakin agreed to read this document, report back and recommend response.
59/07TO PROPOSE THAT A WEBSITE WORKING PARTY BE FORMED
It was so Resolved, membership to comprise Cllrs Greenyer, Miss O’Connell and Mrs Roebuck.
60/07TO AGREE MEMBER DRESS CODE FOR COUNCIL MEETINGS
It was agreed that Members continue use their discretion
61/07TO PROPOSE THAT SEATON TOWN COUNCIL’S SUBMISSIONS ON THE SEATON REGENERATION PROPOSALS BE SENT TO ALL NEW DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
It was unanimously so Resolved
62/07TO CONSIDER INVITING Ms SARAH RANDALL-JOHNSON TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON ISSUES RELATING TO THE SEATON REGENERATION AREA
This proposal was agreed by 10 votes in favour and 1 abstention (Cllr Burrows). The Clerk advised that suitable dates were being sought.
63/07TO APPROVE MONTHLY SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS
The monthly schedule of payments was approved. It was noted that the Council’s new handyman had commenced work in the town.
64/07TO NOTE BUDGET AND BANK BALANCES TO DATE
The budget and bank balances to date were noted.
65/07TO APPROVE PAYROLL CHARGE INCREASE
The proposed increase of £2 per month to operate the Council’s payroll was unanimously approved.
Cllr Greenyer left the room
66/07TO APPROVE PROPOSAL THAT Cllr GREENYER ASSISTS THE CLERK’S OFFICE WITH NON-CONFIDENTIAL CLERICAL WORK
The Clerk advised that this would be a short-term appointment but one that would be of much benefit to her and the workings of the Council office.
The proposal was approved by 9 votes in favour and 1 abstention (Cllr Garner)
Cllr Greenyer returned to the room
67/07TO AGREE THAT Cllr GRAHAM JONES BE ALLOWED TO NEGOTIATE WITH DCC ON TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT FOR SEATON REGENERATION AREA, AND TO CO-OPT OTHERS AS REQUIRED
It was agreed to defer this proposal to the next meeting of the Finance & General Purposes Committee for further discussion. Members requested more detail as to what the proposal involved to ensure that any decisions complied with the requirement that any individual councillor acting on behalf the Council must have a mandate from the Council.
68/07TO AGREE MEETING DATE WITH TD PARTNERSHIP, SET AGENDA AND AGREE CONTENT OF MEETING
Following earlier communications with the Council, the Clerk advised that Terry Dinham had responded to the suggestion that a meeting take place with the Council and other interested parties to discuss the current position of the regeneration area outline planning application. It was agreed that he be offered the option of meeting on 22nd June, 6th July or 13th July with the Council and those who attended previous meetings, i.e. Axmouth Parish Council, Seaton Development Trust, District Councillors and Seaton Gateway Town Group.
It was further agreed that the agenda should cover:
- update from his side of the proposals
- update from other organisations
- individual proposals
- Visitor Centre
- Community facilities and 106 contributions
- Daytime and overnight tourist facilities
- Youth facilities
- Traffic assessment
- Flooding
- Retail provision
- Infill situation
- Housing densities
The Clerk was requested to progress.
69/07TO PROPOSE THAT IN VIEW OF THE CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF THE BUSINESS ABOUT TO BE TRANSACTED, IT IS ADVISABLE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST THAT THE PUBLIC AND THE PRESS BE TEMPORARILY EXCLUDED AND THEY ARE INSTRUCTED TO WITHDRAW
It was so Resolved
Cllrs Mrs Wise and M Greenyer left the room
70/07TO CONSIDER QUOTATIONS FOR PROVISION OF NEW ALLOTMENT PLOTS
It was unanimously Resolved that the Council provide 7 additional allotments at the Barnards Hill site in accordance with the Gardencare quotation.
The meeting closed at 9.17 pm
Archived Copies of Minutes
Copies of all Minutes of all the Council's meetings are held in the Council Office and copies are sent to Seaton Library once they have been signed by the chairman as a true record of proceedings at the subsequent meeting.