Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 20th January 2020 at 7pm in the Council Chamber, The Old Courthouse, Jaycroft Road, Burnham-on-Sea.
Present: Cllr Janet Keen (Vice Chairman), Cllrs: Nick Tolley (Chairman), Chris Allen, Sue Barber, Dawn Carey, Peter Clayton, Rich Gardiner-White, Helen Groves, Phil Harvey, Andy Hodge, Mike Murphy, with Samantha Winter (Town Clerk) and Lorna Williams (Deputy Clerk) in attendance.
Due to ill health, the Chairman, although present, requested the Vice Chairman to chair the meeting.
Two members of the public and one representative of the press were present
Cllr Tolley and Cllr Keen presented the winners of the residents Christmas light displays and the business window displays.
Public Participation
There were no speakers.
01/20/TIMP Apologies
All members were present
02/20/TIMP Declarations of Interest in items on this agenda & dispensations granted
There were no declarations of interest or dispensations granted.
In relation to item 11/20, Cllr Harvey reminded the meeting that he is a resident of Trinity Rise and would excuse himself if he became aware of an interest.
03/20/TIMP Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Town Improvements Committee meeting held on 18th November 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
04/20/TIMP Action List
The Action List was noted.
The Clerk confirmed that the quotes had been received for the installation of Christmas light displays for both towns and that this item will be on an agenda post budget with a report and resolution to be made. The Victoria Quarter sign was still being investigated and permissions sought. Both items will be added to the March agenda.
Motions for note/resolution
05/20/TIMP To receive a report on the 2020 Burnham-on-Sea fireworks display and to resolve whether to proceed with the event in November 2020
The meeting received the report and it was RESOLVED to host the firework event in November 2020
06/20/TIMP To resolve whether to book Skyburst, the Bristol Fireworks Company to provide a professional display in November 2020
The meeting considered the report and it was RESOLVED to use Skyburst. It was agreed that the company has had many years’ experience of working in Burnham-on-Sea and has a client base of far larger events with no enforcement action under current health and safety or relevant legislation. It was further agreed that the company is both affordable within budget, and highly experienced.
07/20/TIMP To receive an update from Cllr Carey on progress of a youth awards scheme
Cllr Carey updated the meeting on the progress so far:
- A timeline had been agreed, starting with nominations from 28th April
- There will be 4 awards in categories
- 1 special award and this person would be invited to the Civic Service
- A gift would be given alongside the award
- Sponsorship had been offered and more was being sought
- Ceremony to be held at The King Alfred School
- A wooden wall board will display winners’ names
The Committee offered its thanks to Cllr Carey for her work on progressing this item
08/20/TIMP To receive an update on the progress of VE Day celebrations
Cllr Tolley updated the meeting on the progress so far:
- Event to take place on 8th May at The King Alfred School
- Nationally, church bells will ring and beacons lit
- Already booked or suggested for the event – Burnham-on-Sea Band, WW2 Jeep, Steam engine, Land Army, 1940’s AA Bike Signs, re-enactment with full kit and uniforms, a tea and coffee servery, crepes van, stop-me ice cream bike, A30 cars, Dance Fit Academy, traditional games.
- British Legion will have a marquee & stand and might organise a parade
- All cadet units have been notified
- Burnham Chamber of Trade are organising a ‘love Burnham day’ on Saturday 9th May.
Councillors individually offered other suggestions, which it was agreed should be passed direct to Cllr Tolley.
Cllr Tolley asked that is thanks are recorded for the support, ideas and enthusiasm the Projects Officer had brought to both the VE Day Celebrations project and the youth awards scheme. Cllr Carey agreed and seconded these thanks.
09/20/TIMP To note that the council has been awarded £1000 by Police Community Trust to install motorbike ground anchors in Burnham & Highbridge car parks.
The meeting NOTED that the council had been awarded £1000 by the Trust. The Clerk confirmed that Sedgemoor District Council had agreed that the Town Council can install the anchors in its car parks.
10/20/TIMP To note that the council has been awarded £30,000 by Sedgemoor District Council for the implementation of a free business support programme.
The meeting heard that Burnham high street retailers are being asked for their opinions as to what business support would be beneficial to help their business. The Chamber of Trade had assisted by circulating an initial questionnaire and more information will be sought over the next two months.
11/20/TIMP To note the concerns around Trinity Rise and Trinity Close Christmas lights display and note that Cllr Clayton has offered to host a meeting between relevant bodies.
Cllr Clayton informed members that a meeting was scheduled for 6th February in the Council Chamber, with the aim of bringing together key decision-makers regarding the Trinity area Christmas lights display. It was confirmed that the meeting will not be a public event but the comments of all neighbouring residents would be sought prior to the meeting.
12/20/TIMP To note that a meeting of the Burnham Evolution Partnership has been scheduled this week to discuss and make recommendations on progression of the Business Plan.
The meeting NOTED that any recommendations will be brought to the next meeting of this committee.
13/20/TIMP Date of Next meeting
It was noted that the next meeting of this committee will be held on Monday 23rd March 2020, at 7pm at The Old Courthouse.