Membership:

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

195.    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
There were apologies for absence from Cllr Mrs. S Diver and Cllr Mrs. K Little.

196.    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.
Cllr Mrs B Gage declared personal interest in all planning items as member of Braintree District Council Planning Committee
Cllr D Hume declared personal interest in planning item 6 (ii) as Governor of St. Andrew's School.           

197.    PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
           None

198.    MINUTES
The minutes of the Council meeting held on 26^th March 2009 were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

199     COMMITTEE  MINUTES
(i) The minutes of the Amenities Committee of 14^th May 2009 were reviewed and it was noted that members of the Halstead History Society will be invited to a future committee meeting to discuss the way forward.
Minutes were approved and signed as a true record.
Minutes of the Amenities Committee of 14^th May 2009 (at Annual Town Council  Meeting) were approved and signed as a true record.

(ii) The minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee of 21^st May 2009 were reviewed.  Cllr Mrs J Pell asked that her declaration of interest at item 171 be marked as Personal and Prejudicial.
Cllr M Gage reviewed minute 164 regarding presentation by Kevin Nolan of Edward Jones regarding possible investment in Corporate Bond.  Cllr M Fincken asked about Council policy on such investments; Town Clerk        to consult with Treasury Clerk at Braintree District Council and will also speak to the Audit Commission and follow National Association of Local Councils rules.  Kevin Nolan to make a presentation to Full Council at the     July meeting.  
Item brought forward to Full Council meeting regarding purchase of troughs for Halstead in Bloom effort was debated.
RESOLVED that two troughs be purchased and located at a site to be decided; liaison to take place with Amenities Chairman.  The minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee of 14^th May 2009 (at Town Council Meeting were approved and signed as a true record.

200.   PLANNING APPLICATIONS
         Cllr K Paisley took the chair for this part of the meeting

09/00647/ADV Somerfield Stores -48A High Street, Halstead CO9 2JB.  Display of various external signage.   Members noted the change from externally lit to internally lit signage.
Members objected on grounds of internally lit signage that is not allowed in Conservation area.

09/00623/FUL St. Andrew's Primary School, Matthews Close, Halstead CO9 2BJ Alterations to form new ‘multi-use games area' to the north side of the school and to include alterations to existing container and bin store. 
Members noted that the ‘drop off' zone is being eroded
Members raised no objections

09/00640/ADV Blockbuster. 9-11 High Street, Halstead CO9 2AD.  Members noted removal of two signs to erect one sign.
Members raised no objections.

201.    MAYOR'S APPIONTMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Noted

202.    YOUTH  INITIATIVE  
Cllr Mrs L Hilton attended a presentation at Ramsey College of the Braintree District Council initiative ‘Be Safe' which she had found interesting.  Members agreed that it was pleasing that the Head of Ramsey College had  taken the initiative of inviting this team into the College.  
It was agreed that Halstead Town Council needs to formulate a clear policy on what is required and that a small sub committee be formed to talk to young people and to District Agencies and report to Amenities Committee and Full Council.   
RESOLVED that Cllr Mrs L Hilton, Cllr M Fincken and Cllr G Howlett meet to discuss future of Youth Initiative and report.

203.    ANNUAL TOWN  COUNCIL 2010 MEETING DATE  
Noted that this will be 6^th May 2010

204.    SPECIAL  PROJECTS  PRIORITY  LIST  
Report not available.  Cllr M Gage explained that Budget Working Group has been extended to six members to include Chairman and Vice Chairman of Amenities and Finance and General Purposes Committees.  This Group   will now have evening meetings.  A priority list of projects has been discussed but now needs a wider input and members were asked to put forward any items for inclusion.  Cllr Mrs H Catley asked that improvements to the River Walk in all areas of the Town be included.  Cllr M Gage suggested that a programme of sustainable planting including trees be discussed.

205.    RESURFACING OF AREA AT REAR OF DAY CENTRE
Town Clerk reported that he had been unable to ascertain ownership of the small piece of land in question and suggested that notices be erected for 21 days asking any person who could prove ownership to come forward and that if no person came forward then essential safety measures will be taken 
RESOLVED that Clerk prepare notices and have them erected

206.    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 Chairman closed the meeting at 8.15 pm