Properties Minutes 26th March 2008
Minutes of a meeting of the PROPERTIES COMMITTEE held in the Council Chamber, Drake Road, Tavistock on WEDNESDAY the 26th day of MARCH 2008 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: Cllr B Trew Vice Chair
Cllr D Best
Cllr C Jenkins
Cllr Mrs A Johnson Town Mayor
Cllr Mrs Sellis
Cllr E Sherrell
Cllr H Smith Chair F&GP
Cllr E Sanders
In Attendance: Town Clerk
Works Superintendent
Deputy Market Reeve
One member of the Press
622. APOLOGIES
There were apologies for absence from Cllr R Pike and Cllr Mrs M Govier.
623. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
Councillors were reminded to declare any personal or prejudicial interest they may have in any item to be considered at the meeting.
624. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 26th February 2008, previously circulated and adopted by Council on 4th March 2008, were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
625. MATTERS ARISING
There were no such matters.
626. MINUTES OF THE CEMETERIES SUB-COMMITTEE
Members noted the minutes of the meeting held on 18th February 2008 presented by Cllr Sherrell.
627. MINUTES OF THE TOWN HALL AND MARKETS SUB-COMMITTEE
Members noted the minutes of the meeting held on 17th March 2008 presented by Cllr Trew.
628. WORKS SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Members noted the report at Annex A. Cllr Best questioned the repairs to tarmac in Pearce’s Meadow and the requirement for fencing. He felt a low stone wall should be erected to stop the water erosion. It was agreed that the bank was being undermined and extensive repairs were needed. Fencing was a short-term safety measure, and the second phase should be to make the bank stable. It was noted that there were still pot holes in the path from the bridge to Plymouth Road, and that repairs were needed. Cllr Mrs Sellis asked about the monitoring of the vandalism to the bandstand and the Youth Shelter, and what arrests had been made. Mr Southall explained the need for regular clearance of glass and graffiti, and that the police did no more than move on small gangs of youths. The Mayor asked that we consult with community groups using Pixon Lane over access. She also queried the timings for the new parking signs in Market road, and was informed the design had come from DCC highways who owned the traffic order.
629. MARKET REEVE’S REPORT
Members noted without comment the report at Annex B.
630. TOWN HALL MANAGER’S REPORT
Members noted without comment the report at Annex C.
631. GOLF CLUB
a. Members debated the second draft of the licence authorising the use of the triangular area by the Golf Club. They asked for legal advice on the following amendments:
3.8. clause to read "not to use the property for gain or reward or competitions, but this shall not exclude any professional golfer attached to Tavistock Golf Club from using the property for personal golf practice".
4.1.3. clause to read only "The owner can terminate this licence upon giving 6 months written notice."
b. The change to 4.1.3. was asked for to show that the owners of the land did not have to show any reason for taking their land back. If the advice was that the change was too major, then they asked about the removal of the word "permanent" leaving the rest unchanged.
c. Cllr Trew asked about any response from the Club about his concerns on the use of the area alongside the 1st fairway. Had the Club any plans to use it for other purposes? He wished to see a written response from the Club. Cllr Mrs Sellis complained about golfers not replacing divots and leaving the course around the 18th hole in a mess. The matter would be referred to the Whitchurch Down Sub-Committee.
632. GOOSE FAIR CHARGES
Noted that the agreement on Goose Fair charges ran out with the 2007 Fair. A meeting was normally held in March/April to discuss any problems from 2007, the charges to be raised for 2008 and beyond, and the general running of the Fair in the future. The Showmen’s Guild, Market Traders Federation and the Borough Council would be invited. Members were asked to depute a group to meet with these organisations, and this was referred to full Council. Cllr Pike and Cllr E Sanders had indicated they were willing to take part. Members RECOMMENDED that in view of the successful result last year an inflation only rise should be planned – say 4%.
633. URGENT BUSINESS BROUGHT FORWARD AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN.
There was no such business.
Rising 7. 00p.m.
Signed………..…………………..Dated……………………………