1st February 21 Town Council Minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 1^st February 2021 at 7pm via video conferencing.

Present: Cllrs Mike Facey (Chair), Andy Brewer, Bill Hancock, Nick Tolley, Chris Allen, Sue Barber, Dawn Carey, Peter Clayton, Phil Harvey, Sue Harvey, Andy Hodge, Janet Keen, Alan Matthews, Mike Murphy, Louise Parkin, Colette Winfield.

Sam Winter, Town Clerk and Sally Jones, RFO, were in attendance.

County Cllr Woodman, three members of the public and one member of the media were present.

Public Participation

There were no speakers.

01/21/TC       Apologies

                        There were no apologies made.

                        Cllr Helen Groves was absent.

02/21/TC       Declarations of Interest in items on this agenda & dispensations granted

                        There were no declarations made.

03/21/TC       Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on Monday 7^th December 2020 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

04/21/TC       Action List

                        The Action List was noted as completed

05/21/TC       Report from the Police

The meeting heard from a Police representative that local crime levels had reduced, and in particular rural crime was down 80% on previous years. This reduction was in part attributed to ongoing movement restrictions. In response to a topic raised by councillors, it was stated that there has been no change to the law on trespass to assist with unlawful encampments and the problems experienced on private land persist. The distinctions between travelling communities was noted and the meeting heard that most move through without incident, but the Police had good working links with principal authorities and were able to move people on when required.

In response to a councillor’s assertion that frequent speeding traffic poses a danger to pedestrians and other road users, the meeting was informed that patrols are in place and working to tackle it.  

06/21/TC       Chairman’s announcements

The Chairman reported that, due to the pandemic, he had been unable to attend as many events as he would like. The chairman thanked the vaccination coordinator and volunteers for working tirelessly in all weathers to help the vital work of the NHS at the Mulberry Centre. He was pleased that the town council continues to offer the group practical and financial support.

07/21/TC       Reports from county cllrs on county council matters

The meeting received a written report from Cllr Clayton.

08/21/TC       Reports from district cllrs on district council matters

Members heard from Cllr Keen that Sedgemoor District Council has grants available to support voluntary groups.

09/21/TC       Reports from town councillor representatives appointed to outside bodies

The meeting heard that Cllr Allen was due to attend the Visit Somerset AGM and will report back.

Cllr Murphy reported that  that Crosses Penn Community Sports Trust has gained charitable status as a CIO.

                        Motions for note/resolution

10/21/TC       To receive the 2021/2022 budget as reviewed and recommended for approval by the Finance & Resources Committee. 

The meeting heard that the reduction in the tax base set by Sedgemoor District Council means that the town council budget relies on a £9k reduction on the 2019/20 budget in order not to increase the burden on the tax payer.

It was resolved to approve the 2021/22 budget as recommended by the Finance and Resources Committee, with the approved precept demand of £707,399 which equates to a Band D cost of £111.81.

11/21/TC       To receive the list of community infrastructure levy (CIL) payments received per town to date and consider any plans for use in line with the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations

The current CIL financial positon was received and it was agreed that councillors will, in the first instance, share their suggestions on the  approach this council might take with regards spending CIL funds, along with potential projects. The clerk will collate the information for detailed discussion at a meeting, as appropriate.  

12/21/TC       To approve the schedule of meeting dates from April 2021 to March 2022

                        The meeting resolved to approved the scheduled meeting dates.

13/21/TC       To ratify the decision of the Finance & Resources Committee that the Princess Management Committee should proceed with the letting process for the café space and award a lease. 

The meeting approved the decision of the Finance & resources Committee.  

                        Financial Reports

14/21/TC       To receive and approve the details of expenditure for November and December 2020

                        The details of expenditure were received and approved.

15/21/TC       To receive the town council income and expenditure committee report and ear marked reserve report as of 31^st December 2020, as circulated

The Town Council accounts and EMR report, were received and approved.

16/21/TC       Minutes of previous committee meetings:

It was acknowledged that the signed minutes of the following committees had been circulated and received.

17/21/TC       Correspondence

                        The list of items of correspondence was received.

18/21/TC       Date of Next meetings

The dates were noted as listed

It was noted that the next town council meeting will be held on Monday 1^st March 2021 at 7pm.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 19:46