Halstead Town Council

Membership:

Also in attendance                           Mr M Murkin, Town Clerk  
                                                        Mrs J Smith, Minute Clerk
 

234     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
           Cllr Shirley Diver, Chairman of Planning Committee

235     DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
To declare any ‘personal' or ‘personal and prejudicial' interests relating to items on the agenda having regard to paragraphs 7 to 11 inclusive or Part 2 of the Code of Conduct for Members and having taken appropriate advice (where necessary) before the meeting.

Cllr Mrs B Gage Personal interest in all planning matters as member of Braintree District Council Planning committee
Cllr Mrs J Pell Personal interest in agenda item 8 - Courtaulds Sports Ground as Chairman of Management Committee.
Cllr D Hume Personal interest in agenda item 7.3 as member of St. Andrew's PCC
                   Personal interest in agenda item 8 - Courtaulds Sports Ground; member of Management Committee.

236     PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
There were no members of the public present.

237     MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on 1^st July 2010 having been previously circulated, were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.  

238     PLANNING APPLICATIONS 

          Cllr K Paisley, Vice Chairman of Planning Committee, took the Chair for this part of the meeting.

The report showing planning applications dealt with since the last Council meeting was noted.

New planning applications were discussed:

10/01052/FUL - 4 Meadow Close, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1NA. Erection of two storey side extension, new pitched roof to existing front porch.
Members noted that other properties in the vicinity have been successful with similar planning applications.  Members raised no objections.

10/01181/FUL - Land North of Crowbridge Cottage, Chapel Hill, Halstead, Essex. CO9 1JS - Creation of drop kerb and provision of agricultural access.  Cllr Paisley advised that the applicant had recently been successful with a similar plan
Members raised no objections, but noted that ECC Highways may have concerns.

239.    YOUTH 
A verbal report was given by Cllr Mrs L Hilton.  It was said that the planned HYPE event at Queen's Hall on 16^th July was cancelled at short notice as tickets sales had been poor.  Another HYPE event is booked for Friday 29^th October at Queen's Hall, and two bands have been booked to appear.  Head Teacher at Ramsey College,
Mike Murray has not yet been contacted further regarding setting up of a Youth Council although it was agreed that this would be a step forward.  It was agreed that date should be set for a meeting at which Paul Taylor and students will be invited; it was thought appropriate that this should be a Full Council meeting.  This matter to be discussed at next Full Council Meeting.   Cllr D Hume said that he had discussed Youth Councils at a recent visit to Maldon where there is a successful liaison between Maldon Council and Plume school that works very well now but had difficulties originally; it was suggested that Halstead should contact Maldon Council to share experience.   It was said that Braintree has a Youth Council, and possibly other local Councils have experience of youth liaison.

240.    CHRISTMAS  DECORATIONS
1. It was said that the existing contract had expired, but no tenders for the work had been sought.  Current contractor has indicated that he is willing to continue with installation of the lights that he has stored since last Christmas season and indeed has been liaising with Ramsey College regarding some improvements to the display that was begun in 2009.  It was agreed that this Contractor has always worked well, and has fully co-operated with Halstead Town Council regarding Christmas lighting requirements.  The quote for supply of Christmas lights for 2010 season, including an increase in material costs and costs for labour was noted, and discussions took place regarding the feasibility of going to tender for this year's display.
Cllr J Pell proposed a motion that current Contractor should be retained for 2010 display and that Council should advertise for tenders for the 2011 display in January.  
Motion was seconded by Cllr D Hume.
Cllr M Finken put forward a counter motion that tenders should be sought before the Christmas 2010 season.
After discussion it was recognised that this would be impractical, and the motion was withdrawn.
A vote was taken on the original motion, and this was carried by a majority with one abstension.  It was agreed that the original Contractor be advised of this decision.  It was agreed that any contracts due for review should be put as Agenda items well in advance of termination.
2. It was agreed that the additional cost of £600 for additional displays at Weavers' Court should be met.
3. A proposal had been made that St. Andrew's Church should display an illuminated cross on the steeple at the Church during the Christmas season.  It was said that a similar feature was displayed at the Millennium, and this was still in existence although in need of some refurbishment.  It was asked if the display would be just for the Christmas period, and this was said to be the case.  Jim Davis has volunteered to bring the display up to standard, and erect it at a cost of not more than £200.00.  After discussion it was agreed that refurbishment would be funded.

241.    COURTAULDS  SPORTS  GROUND
Report stated that consent had been given in 2008 for a telegraph pole to be erected on land at Courtaulds Sports Ground for the benefit of the ATC.   ATC solicitors had caused delay after delay and it was said that legal costs would now be considerable.
ATC had been warned that Town Council would look for re-imbursement of all legal costs as had been agreed originally.
Report was noted.

242.    BROWN ‘TOURIST' SIGNS
Town Clerk reported that he had made an appointment with Essex Council Council Tourism staff to meet and discuss where signs could be placed and what Information should be shown.
It was said that there would be a cost for these signs, so it is important to ensure that good information is displayed.  Discussions took place about required signage, and it was decided that wording should be along the lines of ‘historic market town' with symbols for a museum, leisure centre, antiques, etc.  Clerk to report back after his meeting.

243.    ALLOTMENT  RENT 2011/2012
Clerk noted that rents had not been increased since 2008 and the current cost is £1.50 per rod, per year.  Next invoices are raised in September, and the Annual General Meeting of the Allotment Association is in November when notice of  any increase for the 2011/12 season would need to be given.
After discussion a vote was taken and it was unanimously decided to give notice that cost per rod should be increased To £2.00 for the 2011/12 season.

244.    FUN  RUN
Town Clerk reported that all arrangements were in hand.   Few entries have been received to date, but it is expected that they will pick up over the next week or two.
Clerk thanked volunteers from Council who have offered to assist, and Cllr D Hume commended the work of Race Director, Nathan Roulson and also Janet Cook
Report was noted.

245.    QUEEN'S  HALL  BAR  FRANCHISE
Clerk explained that this franchise is due for renewal on 31^st December and asked for guidance on how to proceed.  It was said that the current franchisee had given good service.  After discussion it was decided to proceed with application for tenders with a short lead time.  It was said that to offer franchise for one year would not be viable.  It was agreed that advertisements should be placed in local press as soon as possible.
           

246.    EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS
The following resolution was carried:
RESOLVED:  That pursuant to the provisions of section 1(2) of the Admission to Meetings Act 1960, in view of the next items to be conducted, the press and public to be excluded from the meeting.

The meeting closed at   8.25p.m.