Properties Minutes 22nd July 2008
Minutes of a meeting of the PROPERTIES COMMITTEE held in the Council Chamber, Drake Road, Tavistock on TUESDAY the 22nd day of JULY 2008 at 6.32 p.m.
Present: Cllr Mrs D Sellis Chair
Cllr D Best
Cllr Mrs M Govier D Mayor
Cllr C Jenkins Minute 133 on
Cllr R Pike Mayor
Cllr E Sherrell
Cllr J Sellis
Cllr H Smith Chair F&GP
Cllr E Sanders
In Attendance: Town Clerk
Works Superintendent
Cllr R Connelly DCC
One member of the Press
125. APOLOGIES
There were apologies for absence from Cllr B Trew.
126. 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.
127. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 24th June 2008, previously circulated and adopted by Council on 1st July 2008 were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
128. MATTERS ARISING
Members noted the update on the progress of the new flower baskets on Bedford Square. DCC, having lost the paperwork sent to them at the end of May, had now issued the licence to allow the four basket posts on Bedford Square. The Works Superintendent was now asking DCC Highways to make the socket holes. The aim was still to get flowers up this year.
129. WORKS SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Members noted the report at Annex A. Members discussed the idea of collecting cut grass from the Meadows. Cllr Best was happy with things as they were and saw no reason to collect cut grass. The Meadows was kept in an excellent condition, and it was agreed that the extra cost to tax payers of collecting grass was not necessary. Cllr Smith could see no significant difference for the extra expenditure. Members agreed that cutting every 2 weeks was adequate, but that bad weather and the early part of the growing season might affect matters sometimes.
130. MARKET REEVE’S REPORT
Members noted without comment the report at Annex B.
131. TOWN HALL MANAGER’S REPORT
Members noted without comment the report at Annex C.
132. DRAKES STATUE ROUNDABOUT.
Members noted the latest e-mails from DCC, but in Cllr Trew’s absence deferred further discussion on the matter. The Clerk asked for guidance about repairing the damaged railings. Cllr Sellis proposed that the railings be repaired to their original style. Cllr Mrs Govier reminded Members that they had considered ‘bollards’ at vulnerable points on the Statue to deter bad driving. The Works Superintendent suggested that Members consider a hexagonal shape, cutting off the four railing corners, as this might save the railings from further damage. Members also noted that DCC had said they might be prepared to adjust the design of the road markings to discourage lorries from cutting in to the roundabout. Members re-iterated that there had been no damage to the statue until DCC had undertaken the road changes. They still wished DCC to meet the cost of any repairs, which were estimated at £1,000. By 6 votes for and 1 against it was then RECOMMENDED that the railings be repaired to their original style. The Works Superintendent would bring more accurate costings to the Council meeting.
133. TREE WARDEN
Members noted the letter from the co-ordinator of the Tree Preservation Group and were happy to endorse Mr Johnson as a parish tree warden. They asked if WDBC might consider advertising the need for wardens more widely.
134. PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSION TO MEETINGS) ACT 1960
Pursuant to Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960 and having regard to the confidential nature of the business to be discussed it was RESOLVED that the press/public be excluded from the Meeting for the following item of business relating to leases.
135. LIVESTOCK MARKET LEASE
Cllr Pike declared a prejudicial interest and left the chamber. The lease for the Livestock Market comes to an end on 8th December 2008. Members received a full brief on the options, and RECOMMENDED nem con that the Clerk continue negotiations with the current tenant.
136. PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSIONS TO MEETINGS) ACT 1960
RESOLVED that the public and press be re-admitted to the Meeting.
137. URGENT BUSINESS BROUGHT FORWARD AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN.
a. The Chairman gave an update on vandalism, and that the absence on leave of one police officer had delayed further action in the Meadows. The Works Superintendent had passed on 15 months worth of statistics about damage to the police.
b. The Chairman reported on a successful tour of properties and lands she had undertaken with officers, and asked if other Members would wish to take a similar tour. They all signified that they would. This to be arranged by the Works Superintendent later in the year.
Signed………..…………………..Rising 7. 14 p.m. Dated……………………………