MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE EASTWOOD TOWN COUNCIL, HELD ON MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2008 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, EASTWOOD, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Present:          

Cllr D Bagshaw,

Cllr P Butler,

Cllr Hazel Charlesworth,

Cllr R Charlesworth,

Cllr R Dodge,

Cllr Mrs T Fiddyment,

Cllr Mrs J Forrest,

Cllr B Griffin,

Cllr J Kenny,

Cllr K Longdon,

Cllr Ms Rayner Robb,

Cllr C Robb,

Cllr Mrs G Robb

Cllr Mrs J Yeomans.

Also present:   2 members of the public

Cllr R Charlesworth, Town Mayor in the Chair.

Before the commencement of the meeting the Town Mayor asked Councillors to have a one minute period of silent contemplation in place of opening prayers given in previous meetings.

The Town Mayor then advised Councillors that in view of the nature of the decisions being taken at this meeting, particularly in regard to the annual budget, the importance of complying with the Town Council’s standing orders was imperative.

74/08         APOLOGIES

                  Apologies for absence were accepted from Cllr Mrs S Bagshaw (family commitments).

75/08         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 

Cllrs P Butler, B Griffin and Cllr Mrs June Yeomans declared personal interests in planning application number 825.

Cllr R Charlesworth, J Kenny and C Robb declared prejudicial interests in Town Council minute 73/08 (10 December 2007) meeting in view of their dual role as Borough Councillors.   They would temporarily vacate the meeting whilst this item of business was being considered. 

76/08         NOTIFICATION OF LOBBYING

Cllr B Griffin notified the meeting of lobbying received in relation to planning application number 826.  

77/08         MINUTES

Town Council meeting 29 October 2007. 

In response to requests from Councillors, the Town Clerk gave updating reports in relation to Council Offices renovations, meetings with Borough Council Planning Officers, Eastwood Health Services, and the condition of the ‘jitty’ between Nottingham Road and Three Tuns Road.

The minutes of the meeting of the Town Council held on 29 October 2007 were then adopted as a true and accurate record and signed by the Town Mayor.

• Town Council meeting 10 December 2007 (pages 1, 2, 3 & 4).  

It was agreed to substitute the word ‘changed’ to ‘charged’ on line 3 paragraph e on page 2.

Cllr K Longdon asked that the minute 73/08 be amended to quote his specific motion which was as follows: -

“I would like to move that we pull out of the maintenance contract when it runs out in 2008.   We have had no dialogue with the Broxtowe Borough Council and we needed to have a decision before we set the budget and the rate precept for the year 2008/9.   This lack of communication is through no fault of this Council.   Furthermore I ask that the Town Clerk pass this on to Broxtowe Borough Council with Copies to Nottinghamshire County Council, Eastwood Town Football Club and Eastwood Town Cricket Club before the New Year.   This will act as three months notice to all parties concerned”.

Cllrs R Charlesworth. J Kenny and C Robb then vacated the meeting (temporarily) at this point.

Cllr Mrs J Forrest Deputy Mayor in the Chair.

Cllr D Bagshaw referred to minute 73/08 and asked the meeting to reconsider its decison to withdraw from the recreational sites maintenance agreement and to take up the option of extending the contract with County Landscapes for at least one further year.   He expressed concern about the possible consequences of this decision upon the Borough Council rate demands to Eastwood ratepayers, particularly in regard to Hall Park recreation ground.   The Town Clerk advised that to accede to this request would be contrary to the Town Council’s standing order which applied a six month time restriction upon reversing earlier Council decisions.  (Standing Orders no: 36(a)).   The Town clerk suggested that Councillor Bagshaw’s concerns could however be made and considered by the meeting when it deals with the annual budget and precept for 2008/9.   Cllr Bagshaw agreed to accept this advice and suggestion.

The minutes of the meeting of the Town Council held on 10 December 2007 (with the amendments recorded above) were then adopted as a true and accurate record and signed by the Town Mayor.

(Cllrs R Charlesworth, J Kenny and C Robb returned to the meeting).

Cllr R Charlesworth, Town Mayor in Chair.

78/08         ANNUAL BUDGET AND PRECEPT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2008/9

Cllr C Robb, Leader of the Council, presented the draft budget and precept for the financial year 2008/9.   He reminded the meeting that the withdrawal by the Town Council from the recreational sites maintenance agreement necessitated an extensive change in budgetary policies.   The main thrust of the which was to replace the service of recreational sites maintenance with a wider and more flexible range of alternative community services.    He then gave a detailed explanation for each proposed budget heading.   The final charge to the Eastwood ratepayer for providing these new services to the community was slightly less than the current year’s budget.   It was impossible at the present time to accurately anticipate what amended budgetary polocies would be applied by the Borough Council arising from the decision to withdraw from the recreational sites maintenance agreement.  Cllr Robb commended the draft budget as an exciting new development which would have a pronounced long term impact upon developing the interests of the Eastwood community.    Cllr Robb  formally moved the adoption of the draft budget and precept for 2008/9 (a copy of which is attached to these minutes).   Cllr K Longdon, Deputy Leader formally seconded the proposal.

                  Cllr D Bagshaw, Leader of the minority group, spoke of his opposition to the new draft budget and explained his concerns upon the possible increase in charges to the Eastwood ratepayer.    This could be caused by the Borough Council declaring a ‘special expense area’ for Eastwood and their possible withdrawal or reduction in grant aid to the Town Council – (following the policy decision concerning recreational site maintenance).    He accordingly proposed an amended budget which provided for the continuation of the recreational site maintenance by taking of the option of contractual extension.   Cllr J Kenny formally seconded the amended proposal.

                  The Town Mayor then invited every Councillor in attendance to express their views and opinions.    After a full debate and in accordance with the Council’s standing orders, the Town Mayor put to the meeting the amendment proposed by Cllr D Bagshaw.    At this point Cllr J Kenny formally requested a recorded vote.    Upon the amendment being put to the meeting the following votes were recorded: -

                  For the amendment:    Cllrs D Bagshaw, P Butler, B Griffin, J Kenny, Cllr Mrs J Yeomans (total 5)

                  Against the amendment:  Cllr Hazel Charlesworth, Cllrs R Charlesworth, R Dodge, Cllr Mrs T Fiddyment, Cllr Mrs J Forrest, Cllr K Longdon, Cllr Ms R Robb, Cllr Mrs G Robb, Cllr C Robb (total 9)

                  The amendment was accordingly declared LOST.

                  The Town Mayor then put to the meeting for voting Cllr C Robb’s proposal to adopt the draft budget, attached to these minutes.   The votes given were as follows: -
                 
                  For the proposal:         Cllr Hazel Charlesworth, Cllrs R Charlesworth, R Dodge, Cllr Mrs T Fiddyment, Cllr Mrs J Forrest, Cllr K Longdon, Cllr Ms R Robb, Cllr Mrs G Robb, Cllr Ms R Robb(total 9)

Against the proposal: Cllrs D Bagshaw, P Butler, B Griffin, J Kenny, Cllr Mrs J Yeomans (total 5)

                  The proposal by Cllr C Robb was therefore CARRIED by a majority vote.

79/08         TOWN CLERK’S REPORT

Eastwood Christmas Lights Switch On - 2007

The Town Clerk reported that the Arts Development Manager Broxtowe Borough Council had submitted a detailed report upon another successful Christmas Lights Switch On event for 2007.   A copy of the report was circulated to all Councillors.  

After discussion the meeting received and NOTED this report and expressed its appreciation to the Borough Council’s Arts Development Manager for her efforts.

• Appointment of Parish/Town Council Representative – Broxtowe Borough Council Standards Committee

 
The Town Clerk reported that the Deputy Mayor Cllr Mrs J Forrest had been formally appointed by the Borough Council onto the above committee.  

The meeting NOTED this report.

c)  Provision of Annual Grants – Lynncroft Primary School.

The Town Clerk reported that the grant cheque of £100 issued to the Lynncroft Primary School had been returned unused.   A copy of the explanatory letter was circulated for Councillors’ information.   The grants’ budget would be credited with a refund of £100.

The meeting RECEIVED and NOTED this report.

• Broxtowe Transport Sub Group – Invitation to put forward transport schemes.

The Town Clerk reported that the Broxtowe Partnership had invited suggestions from Parish/Town Councils for new transport schemes that would benefit local communities.   A copy of the letter and enclosures was circulated for Councillors’ information.   The Town Clerk reminded Councillors that two matters involving major transport/access improvements to the town had previously put forward.  These were the extensions of the NET system to Kimberley and Eastwood and the need to relieve serious traffic congestion on Nottingham Road between Wellington Street and the Mansfield Road/Church Street crossroads.   

After a full discussion it was agreed to put forward the following suggestions:

• The provision of automated speed warning lights on Derby Road, Nottingham Road, Church Street and Mansfield Road.

• The provision of an adequate traffic warden service for Eastwood.

• Addition of cycle lockers/stands at appropriate locations.

• A higher standard of maintenance to pavements and roads, particularly for school areas and shopping areas.

• Efforts to control the growing usage of cars to transport children to schools over short distances.

• Closure of Public Toilets Eastwood during the Christmas Period.

The Town Clerk reported that he had received three complaints from residents over the closure of the public toilets adjacent to Eastwood Library over the whole Christmas period.   Two residents had insisted that the Town Council be advised of their complaints.

Clllr J Kenny explained the high cost of public funds of maintenance, repairs after vandalism, and the staff costs for opening and closing these facilities.    The meeting NOTED these problems.   After discussion it was AGREED to ask the Borough Council to consider the option of ‘charged entry’ security gates for Eastwood toilets as a way of keeping them open during holiday periods and to reduce the high cost of mainteance.

• County Council Care Homes.   Consultations Regarding Proposed Closures.

The Town Clerk reported that the County Council had written acknowledging the Town Council’s objections to the proposed closure of Beauvale Court Care Home.   A copy of the letter was circulated for Councillors’ information.   Cllr J Kenny reported that a cross party Councillor group from the Broxtowe Borough Council had met County Council representatives and expressed the strongest objections to these proposals.

The meeting RECEIVED and NOTED these reports.

• Complaints Concerning the New Car Wash Facility on Nottingham Road.

The Town Clerk reported that complaints concerning the above facility continued to be received by the Town Council.   A copy of the list of complaints, signed by various residents and dated 9 December 2007, was circulated for Councillors’ information.    Cllr J Kenny reported that the Borough Council had carried out further inspections and were currently compiling a report to be sent to all the residents concerned.   Cllr R Dodge also reported upon his own inspections where he had NOTED the presence of approximately forty empty containers stacked against fences and also reported upon the noise of high pressure water jets.    He had however, seen little new evidence of overnight sleeping by car wash workers.    Cllr D Bagshaw also reported upon his own inspections of this site.

It was AGREED to continue monitoring the situation; to ask the Borough Council for a copy of their report; and to advise the residents coordinator (Mrs Kirk) of the Town Council’s continuing interest in this problem.

• Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007

The Town Clerk reported that central Government had now passed the above Act, which provided new powers to Town and Parish Councils. The most significant of which is the power of “Well Being”. This power enables local Councils to carry out any activity which adds to the well being of its community. There will be new criteria which each Council will need to meet if they wish to exercise the power. This criteria is now being established and will be circulated in the near future.  

The meeting RECEIVED and NOTED this report.

80/08         QUESTIONS/STATEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC  

It was AGREED that in accordance with standing order number 70, the Council meeting be temporarily adjourned in order to hear statements and questions from the members of the public in attendance at the meeting.

-----Council meeting temporarily adjourned----

• Mrs Jones reported that the water supply facility at Eastwood Cemetery had been damaged and required repairing.   The Town Clerk would send a report to the Borough Council.   Mrs Jones further reported that the pavements on Plumtre Way were in need of repairs and increased maintenance.   The Town Clerk would report this to the Broxtowe Borough Council.    Finally Mrs Jones reported that partially due to the absence of a directional (one way) road sign at the island on Plumtre Way, traffic was regularly travelling up the wrong side towards the junction with Nottingham Road.    The Town Clerk would pass this on to the Borough Council with a request for new signs.

• Mr W Gregory expressed the view that the Town Council’s earlier policy decisions relating to recreational site maintenance was a fundamental mistake and would cause serious problems to the future of Eastwood Town Cricket Club.   He emphasised the contribution to young people’s development in the Eastwood community which the Cricket Club had, for many years, provided.   The Town Clerk expressed the hope that the standards of maintenance which had been previously recommended by Borough Council technical officers, and applied by the Town Council, would be continued by the Borough Council after 31 March 2008.   The Town Clerk additionally emphasised the very high standard of work carried out by the two County Landscape Services Grounds men (Wayne and Glen) in the past.

The being no further questions/statements from members of the public, standing orders were reactivated and the Town Council meeting resumed its formal business.

81/08         REPORTS FROM TOWN COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

                  Cllr C Robb provided an updating report upon the redevelopment proposals for the Hollies Car Park on Nottingham Road.   Following agreement by all parties involved it was hoped that work will commence during March 2008.  

                  Cllr B Griffin expressed his appreciation for the support given by embers of the public concerning the past problems on Eastwood Cemetery.

82/08         MATTERS CONCERNING THE BOROUGH COUNCIL

                  No matters were brought up or debated under this item of business.

83/08         MATTERS CONCERNING THE COUNTY COUNCIL

                  No matters were brought up or debated under this item of business

.
84/08         PLANNING APPLICATIONS 

                  It was RESOLVED to forward to the Borough Council the observations of the Town Council contained in the schedule attached to these minutes.

                  The Town Clerk explained that it had been necessary to refer a backlog of applications received over the Christmas period to this full Council meeting.   The Council’s planning sub committee will be considering the next batch of applications.

85/08         ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT SCHEDULE 05/08

                  It was RESOLVED to approve payments totalling £72,136.22p (gross) listed in schedule 05/08, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.

******

There being no further business, the Town Mayor thanked everyone for their contribution and closed the meeting.

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