Properties Minutes 26th May 2009
Minutes of a meeting of the PROPERTIES COMMITTEE held in the Council Chamber, Drake Road, Tavistock on TUESDAY the 26th day of MAY 2009 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: Cllr B Trew Chair
Cllr D Best
Cllr Mrs M Govier Mayor
Cllr E Sanders
Cllr E Sherrell
Cllr Mrs D Sellis
Cllr J Sellis
Cllr H Smith Chair F&GP
Cllr D Whitcomb D Mayor
In Attendance: Town Clerk
Works Superintendent
One member of the Press
One member of the public
012. APOLOGIES
There were apologies for absence from Cllr R Pike
013. 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.
014. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 28th April 2009, previously circulated and adopted by Council on 5th May 2009 were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
015. MATTERS ARISING
Minute 684 referred. Members received copies of notes of a meeting held with WDBC to discuss refuse collection and disposal held on 27th April, and the latest letter from their Chief Executive. Cllr Trew explained that in his view the WDBC position had changed three times, and their last letter acknowledged that they had a responsibility to collect commercial waste, but could only do it by finding a firm to undertake the task and allowing the Town Council to make a contract with that firm. That could cost us more than the current arrangement with Biffa. There was some hope that the new WDBC waste contract due in 2010/2011 might have a commercial waste option. Cllr Trew wanted to find out how we could challenge that WDBC response. In conjunction with that he and Cllr Jennings would work to find ways to cut down on waste generation. He wanted to halve costs. They would report back to the Committee in due course.
016. WORKS SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Members noted the report at Annex A. The Works Superintendent reported that the Circus would be held from the 20th to the 23rd June in the Meadows. The Mayor congratulated the Works Department for helping people to make full use of the Meadows, and thanked them for the efforts put into keeping the open spaces tidy and litter free. Cllr Sellis thought the German car display on Bedford Square had gone very well, and that all had enjoyed themselves.
017. MARKET REEVE’S REPORT
Members noted the report at Annex B. .
018. TOWN HALL MANAGER’S REPORT
Members noted the report at Annex C.
019. CEMETERY LODGE TENANT
Noted that we had two applicants for the lease for the Cemetery Lodge. Members were asked to indicate which applicant they would wish to see as a Council tenant, but thought that such decisions could be made by officers. The decision would be deferred until after the Council meeting, and Members could pass any views they had to the Clerk.
020. ADVERTISING BOARD BY PIXON LANE
Members noted a letter from Kings Church requesting Town Council permission to place an advertising name board on our land at the Pixon Lane end of the open space. Members were against this as Kings were not on our land, nor were they Council tenants. They felt that the space at the Pixon Lane end should not be cluttered up with advertising, and there was anyway already a signpost to Kings on the lamp standard by the way in. RECOMMENDED nem con that the request be denied.
021. BMX TRACK
A group of BMX enthusiasts (Tavy Riders) based at the Youth Café had asked the Council to consider the provision of a BMX track. Members agreed that the space above the play park at Bannawell Street would be right for such a use, and the hilly nature apparently lent itself to such a track. Members recalled that they were all invited to an open day at the Youth Café on the 28th May to meet the Group and discuss options. They were in favour of producing such a facility, but some had reservations about disturbance to neighbouring houses. Any track would have to have regulations (such as those for the Skate Park) restricting the hours of use to minimize disturbances. Members RECOMMENDED nem con that they agree to the request in principle, subject to further discussions with the Group and consultations with local residents
022. POLICE OPEN DAY
On Saturday 5th September the police and other services are holding an open day. They will use Bedford Square and had asked if we will close Guildhall Square car park as well to allow the parking of more vehicles and displays. Lost income to us would be a maximum of £151. Members were asked for their policy. There were concerns about the lost use to members of the public, and that any lost revenue should be refunded by the beneficiaries of any closure. They then RECOMMENDED by 6 votes to 1 with one abstention that the request be denied.
023. URGENT BUSINESS BROUGHT FORWARD AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN.
The Chairman raised the matter of the TASS Charity Bonanza to be held that weekend in the Market. TASS had failed to produce the requisite certificate or proof of 3rd Party liability insurance, and Members recalled that a similar problem had occurred in previous years. The Chairman warned of the danger to the Council if no suitable insurance was held, and Members agreed that TASS should be told that they could not take part in the event unless they produce suitable proof. In that event the Council would take over the running of the event.
Signed………..…………………..
Rising 7. 10 p.m. Dated……………………………