Halstead Town Council

Membership:            

Also in attendance: Mr P Tetley, Town Clerk, HTC

                                Mrs S Goodwin, Minute Clerk

                                Mr B Attenborough, Halstead Gazette

It was agreed that as the meeting was inquorate, notes would be taken for consideration by Full Council at the meeting on 25^th January 2007.

47.       Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M Gage, Mrs H Catley, Mrs J Pell, Mrs J Wilson.

48.       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 of Part 2 of the Code of Conduct for  Members and having taken appropriate advice (where necessary) before the meeting.

None.

49.       Public Question Time

There were no members of the public present.

50.       Minutes

It was noted that the Minutes should read 14^th November 2006 and not 13^th November 2006.  These will be approved and signed at the next meeting.

It was agreed to take item 5 later in the agenda.

51.       REFERRALS FROM AMENITIES COMMITTEE

            FUN RUN

Members noted the recommendations which will be considered by the full Council meeting 25^th January 2007.

(a) That a grant of £300 is made to Halstead Road Runners to support the

Fun Run 2007.

(b)  That any future application for grant is dealt with on its own merits.

52.       FINANCIAL MONITORING

Members received the comparison for income and expenditure for the months April - December 2006 and total income and expenditure for 05/06.  The position to date is looking healthy with a projected income in excess of expenditure in the region of £50,000. Virements from Reserves for repair work to Holy Trinity Churchyard Wall - £8628.53 and Maternity Cover, Admin and cost of living rise - £14600.00 were noted.

53.       MONTHLY PERFORMANCE

Members noted the report. Bookings for the Queens Hall have exceeded last year. Mill House bookings are minimal.  Car park takings are up on this time last year and are looking healthy.                

54.       CAR PARK MONTHLY ANALYSIS

Members noted the report and find the figures useful.  The Chairman was pleased to note an increase in short term parking. 

55.       RIVER COLNE COUNTRYSIDE PROJECT

            A letter has been received requesting a donation towards the Project to help facilitate

access and wildlife schemes.  No indication has been given as to the level of grant requested.  Members are happy to support the idea in principle and agreed that the Town Clerk seek more information.                                                    

56.       GRANT FOR PLANTERS

Members noted that Councillor Joe Pike has assisted Halstead in Bloom and the Town Council in securing funding from Essex County Council to purchase hanging baskets, tubs and barrier baskets for the town. Following consultation with the Chairman of Finance, an order in the sum of £4,629.19 has been placed with Amberol and an invoice for this amount sent to Essex County Council.

57.       PLANNING

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor Mrs G McCoyd took the chair for the planning items.  As there were insufficient members to discuss the applications an extension of time will be requested and the applications will be considered by full Council on 25^th January 2007.

06/02385/LBC - 1 Congregation House, Parsonage Street - Erection of satellite dish to side of building.

06/02586/FUL - Red House, Colchester Road - Partial demolition, conversion and extensions to form 6 no. flats

06/02588/LBC - Red House, Colchester Road - Partial demolition, conversion and extensions to form 6 no. flats

58.       EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS
 The following resolution was proposed and seconded:

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 7.45pm