Properties Minutes 25th November 2008
Minutes of a meeting of the held in the Council Chamber, Drake Road, Tavistock on TUESDAY the 25th day of NOVEMBER 2008 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: Cllr Mrs D Sellis Chair
Cllr D Best
Cllr Mrs M Govier D Mayor
Cllr R Pike Mayor
Cllr E Sanders
Cllr E Sherrell
Cllr J Sellis
Cllr H Smith Chair F&GP
Cllr B Trew
In Attendance: Town Clerk
Works Superintendent
Cllr Connelly DCC
One member of the Press
429. APOLOGIES
There were no apologies for absence.
430. DECLARATIONS OF NTEREST.
Councillors were reminded to declare any personal or prejudicial interest they may have in any item to be considered at the meeting.
431. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 28th October 2008, previously circulated and adopted by Council on 4th November 2008 were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman
.432. MATTERS ARISING
There were no such matters.
434. MINUTES OF THE TOWN HALL AND MARKETS SUB-COMMITTEE
Members noted the minutes of the meeting held on 18th November 2008 and presented by Cllr Trew.
435. WORKS SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Members noted the report at Annex A. They thanked the staff for their work in cleaning and preparing the War Memorial for Remembrance Sunday.
436. MARKET REEVE’S REPORT
Members noted without comment the report at Annex B.
437. TOWN HALL MANAGER’S REPORT
Members noted without comment the report at Annex C.
438. PIXON LANE PROJECT
a. Noted that we had sent out copies of the proposed plan and details of the project to all 10 groups known to us who use the Pixon Lane open space for access to their properties. Two had formally replied.
(1). The Rifle Club were in favour of the plan. They suggested that they could perhaps give up the small area of land in front of their hut for 2 or 3 more public spaces, with a quid pro quo of a re-negotiated lease.
(2). The Robey Trust had forwarded a favourable letter noted by Members. However, they warned of their requirement to have an access road robust enough to cope with their heavy loads. Members asked the Works Superintendent to see if such an enhancement would increase the project costs. If so, then some contribution might be requested from the Trust.
b. Members considered the latest business case for the project, copied at Annex D. Matters that needed Members’ attention were:
(1). Setting the parking charge. Break-even point appeared to be £2.75 plus per day though the charge for Abbey Rise will be less at £2.00 per day. Cllr Sherrell felt that a high daily cost would discourage use. He felt that even £1.50p might be too high to attract users as the site was so far out of town. By seven votes to one it was RECOMMENDED that an initial charge of £1.50p per day be set, to be reviewed at a future date.
(2). Agreeing the Livestock Market conditions of use. Members were not content to allow the Livestock Market free use of the car park on the 20 days that markets were scheduled to be held. They felt the Market lease negotiations had offered a good deal, and that free use would be subsidising the tenant of the market facility. By 7 votes to one it was RECOMMENDED that we do not sign the lease unless this subsidy matter was resolved.
(3). Members agreed that the project should be in 2-phases, (Phase 1 the car park, Phase 2 the Depot and Units).
(4). Members agreed on the closing of 50% of the open space as it is worked upon.
(5). Members acknowledged that the project may never be self-funding.
439. UPDATE ON DRAKE’S STATUE REPAIRS
Noted that we had held site meetings with Highways personnel, and are close to final agreement for the repairs to Drake’s Statue railings. They will fund the repairs to set back the corners railings, and repairs to the lights (so long as we meet their requirement to set things back by 450 mm). We estimate a cost of £3,872 and have to get 3 quotes to meet DCC financial requirements. Members were asked about their choice of colour to repaint the railings. White showed the dirt very quickly. There are pictures from 1920’s clearly showing the railings in a darker (green?) colour that would be preferable. Highways had no objections to the colour change. Members RECOMMENDED nem con that the railings be repainted in the normal Council green colour.
440. GOOSE FAIR ACCOUNTS
Members noted with pleasure the details of the outcome of the Park and Ride and the overall income and expenditure for Goose Fair 2008 copied at Annex E and F).
441. URGENT BUSINESS BROUGHT FORWARD AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN.
a. Members were informed of the DCC plan to replace the stone bus shelter at Bishopsmead with a modern one. Plans and pictures were in the Chamber.
b. The Chairman described a recent tour of town centre historic properties given by Mr Mettler, and that he had extended the invitation to all councillors.
c. Cllr Sellis gave an update on the work of South West Water in filling in the manhole cover pits near the Pimple.
Signed………..…………………..
Rising 7. 00 p.m. Dated……………………………