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2004–2005 Archives of Full Council Minutes
Reports and Minutes of BERKHAMSTED TOWN COUNCIL Held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted on MONDAY 4th April 2005 at 7.30 p.m.
PRESENT: Members: Councillors P.G. Gibbs - Town Mayor Geraldine Corry – Deputy Town Mayor L. Briand Mrs. F. Earl V.C. Earl Lesley Featherstone Mrs. C. Green G. Lanchin J. Lythgoe Mrs. H. McCloskey Mrs. Betty Patterson G. Stevens C. Talbot-Ponsonby
Officer: Mr C. R. Westwood - Town Clerk
22/05 APOLOGIES There were no apologies for absence.
23/05 TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST RELATING TO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Councillor Stevens declared a personal interest in 25/05 as a social member of Berkhamsted Sports Club.
24/05 MINUTES The minutes of the last meeting held on the 7th February 2005 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.
25/05 MATTERS ARISING Vide 15/05 Grant to Berkhamsted Sports Club Councillor Lythgoe summarised a meeting that had taken place on Thursday 31st March 2005 with members of the Berkhamsted Sports Club and proposed that the Town Council offered an interest free loan of £10,000 to the Sports Club repayable in equal annual increments over five years. Councillors Victor Earl, Lanchin, Patterson and Stevens spoke in support of the proposal and made particular reference to Berkhamsted Raiders Football Club who would benefit from the assistance given to over 170 of their young members and who would also generate extra income for the Sports Club. Councillor Green said that she disagreed with the proposal as there was no surety, it was high risk and would be used to pay existing debts. The Town Clerk advised that the Town Council could only lend money to another Local Authority or to a non-profit making voluntary organisation providing or maintaining in its area for the benefit of its inhabitants anything which the Council could itself provide under Section 19 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 which included recreational facilities. The question that needed to be answered was whether or not Berkhamsted Sports Club was a non-profit making voluntary organisation. Following discussion it was agreed that the proposal should be approved in principle but that advice should be sought from the National Association of Local Councils to confirm the legality of making a loan in these circumstances and to advise on the wording of the loan agreement. Action Town ClerkVide 16/05 Berkhamsted Market Fund Vacancy It was agreed that Councillor Geraldine Corry would represent the Town Council on the Berkhamsted Market Fund.
26/05 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was no public participation at this stage.
27/05 TOWN MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS A report had been received from Councillor McCloskey with regard to the launch of the Policing Plan and the Crime Prevention Panel meeting held on the 22nd March 2005. The agenda for the Berkhamsted Access Committee to be held on the 10th June 2005 at Manor Street Day Centre had been received and was available for reference. An invitation had been received from the Lions Club of Berkhamsted to participate in the Community Exhibition to be held in the Town Hall on the 24th September 2005. Members agreed to participate in this event.
28/05 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Town Planning Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Planning Committee meetings held on 14th February 2005, 7th March 2005 and 29th March 2005 be approved and adopted. Public Participation Mr. E. Dyer asked if any action could be taken concerning the yellow bricks on the Railway Bridge opposite the Crystal Palace Public House. The Town Clerk agreed to take this matter up with the Enforcement Officers of the Borough Council. Action Town Clerk
b. Environment Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Environment Committee held on 14th March 2005 be approved and adopted. Vide Item 15/05b – Post Office accessibility Councillor Patterson said that there were now twenty people interested in this service and she would be discussing the arrangements with DCVS. Public Participation Mr. Dyer with reference to item 14/05 of the last minutes clarified the location of the hedge, which had been removed by the Church and transferred to the allotment site. Mrs. Angela Morris asked about the replacement trees in the High Street and said that she and her husband had previously donated money to pay for new trees and were expecting a plaque to be installed. This had not materialised. Councillor Patterson agreed to investigate and respond. Action Councillor Patterson.
c. Transport Committee No meeting held
d. Finance & Policy Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Finance & Policy Committee held on 21st February 2005 and 21st March 2005 be approved and adopted subject to: Vide Item 28/05 – Fair Trade in Berkhamsted Councillor Patterson made a proposal following which it was RESOLVEDThat the Town Council supports Fair Trade in the Town and agrees where appropriate to serve Fair Trade goods in its office and at meetings and to encourage use of Fair Trade products in Berkhamsted. Vide Item 33/05 – Youth Town Council Councillor Lythgoe said that the Steering Group meeting had taken place and was well attended. The minutes would be available at the next meeting of the Finance & Policy Committee. Action Councillor LythgoeVide Item 41/05 – Lease of allotment land to Sunnyside Rural Trust Councillor Patterson said that it had been unsettling for the tenant that the renewal of the lease had not been resolved earlier. The Allotment Society should not feel threatened by the low level of vacancies as more land could be acquired. The Allotment Society should think more broadly about the scope of possibilities should the waiting list develop. Councillor Patterson said that the area of vacant plots on Sunnyside New should be made known to Go-East. Councillor Victor Earl confirmed that the Sunnyside Allotment Society had objected to Go-East to the proposal for a fourteen-year renewal. Vide Item 48/05 – Skateboard Park Councillor Lythgoe confirmed that the appeal by the Town Council against the non-determination of the Velvet Lawn application had been dismissed and that the terms of the dismissal meant that Velvet Lawn was no longer an option. The Town Council would continue to seek an alternative site. Public Participation Mr. Dyer confirmed that the sewer connection to the new toilet at Sunnyside allotments had been completed. He objected to Councillor Patterson’s comments concerning the availability of allotment plots on Sunnyside New. In his estimation there were fifteen gardens to let and 8.5 had been let so far this year. There was a need to reconcile the office records with the Allotment Society. Mr. Dyer said that he had not received a copy of Your Voice. Councillor Lanchin said that he was aware that a number of people in the High Street had not received theirs either. All Councillors confirmed that they had received their copies. It was agreed to ask for a delivery report from the distributor. Action Town Clerk
Mr. Dyer said that it would be worth exploring with Dacorum Borough Council whether they were for or against a skateboard park on Canal Fields. Mrs. Morris thanked the Town Council for their support for Fair Trade. She said that 228 towns in England and Wales had achieved Fair Trade status. She agreed that the Town Council should purchase with regard to Best Value rather than the cheapest goods.
29/05 CANAL & RIVERSIDE PARTNERSHIP Councillor Stevens said that the next meeting would be held on Wednesday 20th April 2005 at 5.30 p.m. An agenda would be issued shortly which would include an item on the proposed Waitrose development.
30/05 TOWN & COUNCIL HELP POINT – CO-LOCATION The Town Mayor referred to the report from the Town Clerk circulated with the agenda. Following discussion it was agreed to maintain the principle of co-location with the Borough Council’s One Stop Shop but to defer the decision until the action being taken by the Borough Council to develop a One Stop Shop in the foyer of the Civic Centre became clear.
31/05 BULBOURNE RESTORATION PROJECT – PROPOSAL TO VIRE £3,000 FROM OTHER BUDGET HEADS TO THE PROJECT FUND Councillor Victor Earl referred to the invoice from the Environment Agency for £8,000 in relation to the River Bulbourne Restoration Project works. The actual costs were much higher and this was the Town Council’s contribution, which had originally been agreed at £5,000. Following discussion it was RESOLVED That the Town Council’s contribution would be raised to £8,000 and the invoice paid. The balance of £3,000 to be vired from the Civic Amenities cost centre. Action Town Clerk At the end of Part I of the meeting Councillor Lythgoe rose and said that this was the last meeting of the Full Council at which the Town Mayor would preside. It was the end of two years of office, which had been demanding and successful. The Town Mayor was the public face of the Town Council and it was clear that Councillor Gibbs had handled his public duties and his Chairmanship of the Council extremely successfully. He thanked the Town Mayor for his time in office on behalf of all the members and congratulated him on his achievement.
32/05 PART II – Exclusion of the Press and Public It was RESOLVEDThat under Section 1 of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the public and press be excluded during the items in Part II of the agenda for this meeting, because it is likely that publicity would prejudice the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business or for other special reasons stated in the resolution, arising from the nature of the business or proceedings.
33/05 CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE TOWN COUNCIL INFORMATION OFFICER It was RESOLVEDThat the Contract of Employment of the Town Council Information Officer be renewed for 12 months from the 1st April 2005, as approved in the Town Council budget for the financial year commencing on that date.
34/05 CLOSE OF MEETING
The meeting closed at 9.14 p.m.
Reports and Minutes of BERKHAMSTED TOWN COUNCIL Held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted on MONDAY 7th February 2005 at 7.30 p.m.
PRESENT: Members: Councillors P.G. Gibbs - Town Mayor L. Briand J. Critcher Mrs. F. Earl V.C. Earl Lesley Featherstone Mrs. C. Green J. Lythgoe Mrs. H. McCloskey Mrs. Betty Patterson G. Stevens C. Talbot-Ponsonby Officer: Mr C. R. Westwood - Town Clerk
01/05 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Corry and Lanchin.
02/05 TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST RELATING TO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Councillor Stevens declared a personal interest in Item 15/05 as a member of Berkhamsted Sports Club. Councillor Talbot-Ponsonby declared a personal interest in item 14/05 as a member of The Town Hall Trust.
03/05 MINUTES The minutes of the last meeting held on the 6th December 2004 were agreed and signed by the Town Mayor.
04/05 MATTERS ARISING Vide 193/04d - Dacorum Borough Council budget The Town Mayor referred to the letter received from David Kirk, Dacorum Borough Council, and following discussion it was agreed that the Clerk would prepare a draft response to the effect that special expenses needed to be identified and allocated for local use much more rigorously that hitherto. The questions raised in the letter from the Town Council had not been answered in as much that the proportion of the budgets to be spent in Berkhamsted had not been identified. Action Town ClerkVide Item 216/04 – Regional Spatial Strategy It was noted that the reports had been discussed at the Town Planning and Transport Committees and a response was being prepared by Councillor Stevens. Vide Item 222/04 – Terms & Conditions of Employment Councillor Lythgoe said that this matter would be discussed under Part II as it concerned the Clerk’s salary. Vide Item 223/04 – Berkhamsted Castle The Town Mayor said that a meeting of the Partnership had taken place and more would follow when ideas for its future management would be considered.
05/05 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was one member of the public present. Mr. E. Dyer said that a representative of Thames Water had visited Sunnyside Allotments and the connection for the new toilet cubicle should proceed soon. In respect of the renewal of the lease to Sunnyside Rural Trust of allotment land at Sunnyside he said that the Allotment Society were in favour of the matter being discussed by the Allotment Management Team as the land in question was statutory allotment land. He said the Allotment Society were of the opinion that there was some discrepancy over how many allotment gardens were contained within the lease and clarification was needed. Sunnyside Rural Trust may be using some plots that were neither leased to them nor rented. There had recently been a definite increase in the number of people wanting allotment plots.
06/05 TOWN MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS Notification had been received of the launch of the Hertfordshire Policing Plan 2005/6 and the Strategic Plan 2005/8 at the Fielder Centre, Hatfield on Monday 21st March 2005 at 10.30 a.m. A letter had been received from the Chairman of the Hertfordshire Police Authority advising of changes in the way police stops were recorded which come into effect on 1st April 2005 following recommendations from the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry. A statement of account for the year ending 31st March 2004 had been received from Northchurch United Charities. The Town Mayor reported that Councillor Green had received a telephone call from Mr. Ray Dyer, a resident of Broadwater, thanking Councillor Patterson for her efforts in cleaning the Wetlands area in Lower Kings Road.
07/05 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Town Planning Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Planning Committee meetings held on 13th December 2004, 4th January 2005 and 24th January 2005 be approved and adopted. Public Participation Mr. Dyer asked if any progress had been made concerning the inappropriate yellow brickwork on the Railway bridge opposite the Crystal Palace Public House. Action Town Clerk
Abena Bailey (Berkhamsted Gazette) asked why the planning application at 77 High Street had been approved given the strength of local objection. The Town Mayor and Councillor Stevens replied.
b. Environment Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Environment & Transport Committee meeting held on 10th January 2005 be approved and adopted subject to: Vide Item 06/05 – Sunnyside New Wildspace Project Councillor Patterson said that this project was managed by the Environment Committee. The area concerned had previously been derelict and was shown on the lease to Sunnyside Rural Trust as an area bounded by a red line and not as individual allotment plots. Public Participation Mr. Dyer said that the Wildspace Project included an orchard area, a coppiced area and a willow area. He thought that the leased land covered 36 allotment gardens and there were certain holdings on Sunnyside Old not included in the lease. c. Transport Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Transport Committee meeting held on 31st January 2005 be agreed and adopted. Public Participation Mr. Dyer said that the “no waiting” lines at either end of Manor Street were now in place.
d. Finance & Policy Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Finance & Policy Committee meeting held on 17th January 2005 be agreed and adopted. Public Participation Mr. Dyer said that he had received the last issue of Your Voice but there was minimal reference to allotments. It was a waste of space to have the whole of the front cover occupied by the title and crest. It could be used for more news.
08/05 CANAL & RIVERSIDE PARTNERSHIP PROGRESS REPORT Councillor Stevens said that repairs had been completed to the round paved area on Castle Street bridge although the bricks had again only been laid on sand and not bedded in cement. The next meeting of the Partnership would be in the middle of April and he asked for items for the agenda to be sent to him.
09/05 MINUTES OF THE ACCOUNTS SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 2ND FEBRUARY 2005 The minutes of the previous meeting held on 2nd February 2005 had been circulated and following discussion it was RESOLVED That payments made between 1st November and 31st December 2004 totalling £41,010.84 be approved and receipts covering the same period totalling £6,256.28 be noted. It was further agreed to approve and adopt the minutes of the meeting. Councillor Victor Earl said that the sub-committee had noted that the budget was very underspent and he was making inquiries as to why this was. He would report to the next meeting of the Finance & Policy Committee.
10/05 ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT TEAM MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING HELD ON 26TH JANUARY 2005 The minutes of the meeting held on 26th January 2005 were presented by Councillor Freda Earl, approved and adopted.
11/05 RENEWAL OF LEASE OF LAND AT SUNNYSIDE ALLOTMENTS TO SUNNYSIDE RURAL TRUST. CURRENT LEASE EXPIRES 31ST MARCH 2005 Following discussion it was agreed that the renewal of the lease at Sunnyside Allotments to Sunnyside Rural Trust be delegated to the Finance & Policy Committee with a recommendation that the current lease is split into two separate leases each of which should be extended to 14 years from the date of renewal. Subject to the necessary consent from the Secretary of State. It was further agreed that the renewal of the lease was a matter for the Town Council only and that it was not necessary to obtain approval from the Allotment Management Team. Action Town Clerk
12/05 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 The correspondence circulated with the agenda was noted.
13/05 ASSOCIATION OF BERKHAMSTED CHURCHES Following discussion it was agreed that the Town Mayor would arrange a meeting with the Reverend David Russell and would notify Councillors of the date and time so that they could attend if they wished to. Action Town Mayor
14/05 BERKHAMSTED TOWN HALL BUILDINGS INSURANCE – FINANCE & POLICY COMMITTEE RESOLUTION 04/05 Councillor Victor Earl referred to the recommendation from Finance & Policy Committee as a result of which it was RESOLVED That a loan of £5,300 be offered to Berkhamsted Town Hall Trust to cover the cost of their additional insurance premium to be interest free and repaid over three years. Payments to be made at six monthly intervals from the date of the loan. Any contribution that the Town Hall Trust received from Dacorum Borough Council should be paid to the Town Council as a part repayment of the loan. The loan to be paid from Town Council reserves. Action Town Clerk
15/05 BERKHAMSTED SPORTS CLUB – FINANCE & POLICY COMMITTEE RESOLUTION 07/05 Councillor Lythgoe reviewed the previous discussions held between Town Councillors and members of Berkhamsted Sports Club and said that it was now necessary to have further discussions with them to find out what they intended to do in the light of the decision of Dacorum Borough Council not to provide a grant. He proposed and it was RESOLVEDThat this Council confirms its support of Berkhamsted Sports Club in its mission to provide affordable outdoor sport, in particular for young people of the Town. The Council notes the recommendation of support from the Finance & Policy Committee and the decision of Dacorum Borough Council not to match the proposed funding of the Town Council. As a consequence of the Borough Council’s regrettable decision, the Town Council will now seek to discuss with the Sports Club the modifications to their business plan, which will be acceptable to the Town Council in the changed circumstances. Action Town ClerkCouncillor Green was opposed to the resolution and said that care would be needed during the discussions, as there was no clear division between the sports and social sides of the club.
16/05 BERKHAMSTED MARKET FUND VACANCY There were no volunteers from Councillors present to take up the vacancy on the Market Fund. It was agreed that inquiries would be made to establish if a non-councillor could be appointed to the fund on behalf of the Town Council. Action Town Clerk
17/05 BERKHAMSTED CRIME PREVENTION PANEL The report circulated with the agenda was noted.
18/05 POLLING STATIONS Members considered the recommendation from Dacorum Borough Council that Sunnyside Church Hall should be used as an alternative to St. Andrew’s Church, which was no longer available. Following discussion it was agreed that the Town Council strongly opposed the use of Sunnyside Church Hall as it was too far for the majority of people in the Ward, especially the elderly, to get to. Members urged the Borough Council to look more closely at either the Collegiate School or the Court House. Other options included Victoria School and the Civic Centre if it was acceptable to have the polling station outside of the Ward. Action Town Clerk 19/05 PART II – Exclusion of the press and public To consider a resolution in the following terms that under Section 1 of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the public and press be excluded during the items in Part II of the agenda for this meeting, because it is likely that publicity would prejudice the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business or for other special reasons stated in the resolution, arising from the nature of the business or proceedings.
20/05 TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF LOCAL COUNCIL CLERKS
21/05 CLOSE OF MEETING
The meeting closed at 9.25 p.m.
Reports and Minutes of Held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted on MONDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2004 at 7.30 p.m.
PRESENT: Members: Councillors P.G. Gibbs - Town Mayor Geraldine Corry Deputy Mayor L. Briand J. Critcher Mrs. F. Earl V.C. Earl Lesley Featherstone Mrs. C. Green J. Lythgoe Mrs. H. McCloskey Mrs. Betty Patterson G. Stevens Officer: Mr C. R. Westwood - Town Clerk
199/04 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Horton, Lanchin and Talbot-Ponsonby. 200/04 TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST RELATING TO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA There were no declarations of interest relating to items on the agenda. 201/04 MINUTES The minutes of the last meeting held on the 10th August 2004 were agreed and signed by the Chairman subject to: Vide Item 193/04d – Finance & Policy Committee minutes item 229/04i It was agreed that that part of the resolution referring to the Town Council being able to raise allotment rents at the beginning of a new allotment year without the requirement to give tenants 12 months notice should be deferred to enable discussion at the next meeting of the Allotment Management Team who should make a recommendation to the next meeting of the Town Council. Action Councillor Freda Earl
202/04 MATTERS ARISING There were no matters arising.
203/04 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Mr. S. Sharpe was present with two members of the Berkhamsted Youth Town Council, Mischke Foster Weinreb and Amelia Terry. Mr. Sharpe said that although Canal Fields was turned down as a location for a skateboard park by the previous Borough Council he had established that the current Borough Council could overturn that decision if they wished to. The planning application for Velvet Lawn had not yet been determined and it was open to the Town Council to go ahead with the construction of the skateboard park on Canal Fields without planning consent if the landowner, i.e. Dacorum Borough Council, agreed. The danger of continuing with Velvet Lawn was that it would not be used and would be a waste of time and money. Mr. Sharpe said that the recent Graham Greene festival had been a great success and the trustees were thankful for the financial support provided by the Town Council. The two members of the Youth Town Council then addressed members. Amelia said that members of the Youth Town Council agreed with Mr. Sharpe’s comments on the skateboard park location which should be Canal Fields and the recent petition supported that view. She emphasised that not all young people used drugs and alcohol and that this should not be a factor for a skateboard park in Berkhamsted. There should be more consultation with skateboarders. The Youth Town Council was organising two discos for 10 – 14 year olds and two gig nights for 14 – 18 year olds where local bands would perform. Hopefully this would encourage young people not to be on the streets and to take an interest in local music. Mischke said that she had attended the Labour Party Conference on the 27th September 2004 and had attended a fringe meeting concerning lowering the voting age to 16 and citizenship.
204/04 TOWN MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS A letter had been received from the Rotary Clubs of Berkhamsted and Berkhamsted-Bulbourne asking if the Town Council would partner the two clubs in making an annual centenary civic award. It was agreed to discuss this matter at the next meeting of the Finance & Policy Committee.
205/04 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Town Planning Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Planning Committee meetings held on 31st August and 20th September 2004 be received, approved and adopted. Public Participation There was no public participation.
b. Environment Committee No meeting had been held since the last Full Council meeting. Councillor Patterson referred to the last meeting of the River Bulbourne Restoration Project Working Party and said that it was necessary for the Town Council to agree an amendment to the Project as a result of the public consultation meeting held on 9th September 2004. The project partners wished to amend the intended work to the lake in St. John’s Well Court to include more open waters, the deletion of the reed beds and the inclusion of a wetland area on the bank nearest the Canal. Following discussion it was agreed that this amendment should be made. Action Councillor Patterson
Public Participation There was no public participation.
c. Transport Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Transport Committee meeting held on 13th September 2004 be received, approved and adopted subject to: Vide Item 42/04ii – Traffic lights in the Town Centre Councillor Lythgoe said that he was amazed that Hertfordshire Highways had taken no further action to improve the phasing of the traffic lights which in his opinion were still dangerous for pedestrians and motorists.
Public Participation There was no public participation.
d. Finance & Policy Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Finance & Policy Committee meeting held on 6th and 27th September 2004 be received, approved and adopted subject to: Vide Item 287/04e – Young Peoples Facilities Working Party Councillor Lythgoe updated members on the progress of the skateboard park application, which had not yet been determined. The Town Clerk confirmed that an appeal had been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate as the date by which the decision should have been received was the 15th August 2004. Councillor Briand said that there was a need to talk to the Youth Town Council and keep them informed as to what was happening. Councillor Patterson said there was a need to consider how open space in the Town was used. Green space was at a premium and should be preserved for wandering and tranquility.
Public Participation There was no public participation.
206/04 CANAL & RIVERSIDE PARTNERSHIP Councillor Stevens advised members of the following: He had been contacted by Maria Bavetta, Dacorum Borough Council, in relation to the setting up of the borough-wide equivalent of CARP. A steering group meeting was to be held shortly and each of the councils in the borough in which the Canal was located should be represented. It was confirmed that Councillor Victor Earl was the Town Council’s nominee to the group. He confirmed that he had not been contacted and it was agreed to advise Maria Bavetta. Action Town Clerk
Councillor Victor Earl asked if the Japanese knotweed at the Lower Kings Road bridge had been treated. Action Town Clerk
207/04 VISIT OF THE JAPAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHAIRMEN OF TOWN & VILLAGE ASSEMBLIES ON THE 7TH OCTOBER 2004. The Town Mayor reminded members of the visit on 7th October 2004. The delegation would arrive at the Council Chamber at 10.00 a.m. and after initial discussions it had been agreed that they would be taken on a walk of the Town before lunch at the Cricket Club. He urged as many members of the Town Council as possible to support the visit.
208/04 MINUTES OF THE ACCOUNTS SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON THE 29TH SEPTEMBER 2004. The minutes of the meeting had been previously circulated and following discussion it was RESOLVED That payments made between the 1st June 2004 and 21st August 2004 totalling £36,158.83 be approved and receipts covering the same period totalling £7,648.11 be noted. It was further agreed to approve and adopt the minutes of the meeting.
209/04 HERTFORDSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF TOWN & PARISH COUNCILS AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS – UPDATE ON CURRENT MATTERS Councillor Stevens circulated a report including a financial statement, which was noted. It was agreed that future membership of HAPTC would be discussed further when the next demand for subscription was received.
210/04 CLOSE OF MEETING The meeting closed at 8.40 p.m.
Reports and Minutes of BERKHAMSTED TOWN COUNCIL Held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted on TUESDAY 10th August 2004 at 7.30 p.m.
PRESENT: Members: Councillors P.G. Gibbs - Town Mayor Geraldine Corry Deputy Mayor Mrs. F. Earl V.C. Earl Lesley Featherstone Mrs. C. Green R.A. Horton G. Lanchin Mrs. H. McCloskey Mrs. Betty Patterson G. Stevens C. Talbot-Ponsonby
Officer: Mr R. J. Price – Assistant Town Clerk A petition from the Youth Town Council was handed in at the beginning of the meeting objecting to the location of the skateboard park at Velvet Lawn. Members agreed that the petition would be presented to the Finance & Policy Committee at its next meeting. Action Town Clerk187/04 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Briand, Critcher and Lythgoe. 188/04 TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST RELATING TO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Councillors Victor and Freda Earl declared a personal interest in item 195/04b. 189/04 MINUTES The minutes of the last meetings held on the 25th May 2004 and 19th July 2004 were agreed and signed by the Chairman. Vide 172/04 – To inspect any deed and trust instruments in the custody of the Town Council Councillor Victor Earl informed members that the Town Council appeared to own the area of ground upon which the Town market is held but stated that he had been unable to locate the supporting deed. Councillor Earl stated that the Town Clerk’s assistance would be sought to investigate the matter further. Action Town Clerk
190/04 MATTERS ARISING There were no matters arising.
191/04 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Constable Parfitt informed members that there was a new Community Inspector responsible for Berkhamsted who had been advised of the date of the next meeting. He also stated that Sergeant Rayment had now left his post at Berkhamsted and that the Sergeant based at Tring Police Station was covering both Berkhamsted and Tring Stations. Members asked the Town Clerk to write a letter to Sergeant Rayment thanking him for all his help and assistance with matters connected with the Town. Action Town Clerk
Mr. Stanley Sharpe discussed the issue of the petition received from the Youth Town Council. He stated that, in his opinion, there should have been more consultation with the youth of the Town regarding both the location and type of equipment to be installed in any proposed skateboard facility. He suggested that the school holidays presented an ideal opportunity to seek such consultation and that the problem was not so much trying to attract seasoned skateboard enthusiasts as young people who presently appear to have no other activity to occupy their time. Councillor Patterson disputed Mr. Sharpe’s statement in that she said that the consultation with youth of the Town regarding a proposed skateboard facility at Butts Meadow was extensive, and that the problem was rather that membership of the Youth Town Council had risen and fallen throughout the consultation period.
192/04 TOWN MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS The Public Sector and Local Government Magazine for July 2004 had been received and was available for reference. The Graham Greene Centenary Festival Programme (26th September – 3rd October) had been received and was available for reference. A report had been received from Councillor Stevens concerning the availability of amenity land in the Parish, which had been circulated to all Councillors.
193/04 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Town Planning Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Planning Committee meetings held on 1st June 2004, 21st June 2004,12th July 2004 and 2nd August 2004 be received, approved and adopted. Public Participation Mr. E. Dyer asked if planning application 4/1327/04/TPO, the felling of one tree at The Cedars, Ivy House Lane, had been granted. The Planning Department has confirmed that this application was granted on 19th July 2004. The subject of the proposed site visit for planning application 4/1176/04/FUL, construction of flats at 77 High Street, was raised and members were informed that the Planning Officer concerned felt that no such visit was necessary given the public consultation process that might be taking place next year if this application went to appeal. b. Environment Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Environment Committee meeting held on 6th July 2004 be received, approved and adopted. Vide Item 33/04a-d – To confirm membership of Working Parties. Councillor Patterson clarified two points regarding this item. Firstly, the Group Leaders of each Working Party, which are as follows: Litter Working Party - Councillor Featherstone - Sunnyside Wildspace Project Working Party Councillor Freda Earl
River Bulbourne Working Party - Councillor Patterson Town Garden Projects Working Party - Currently Councillor Patterson with the proposal to change to Councillor Critcher Secondly, Councillor Patterson informed members that Mr. A. Phipps had been invited to serve as a member of the Town Garden Projects Working Party. Action Town Clerk
Vide Item 34/04ii & iii – Post Office accessibility and bus services. Members were informed that the next meeting at which this matter is to be discussed would be taking place on 24th August 2004 at 2.00 p.m. Members were also informed that DCVS had agreed to talk to the Town Council regarding an “Around the Town” bus route. Public Participation Mr. E. Dyer said that he was pleased with the work that had been undertaken regarding litter picking in problem areas of the Town but that the alleyways between Woodlands Avenue and Hilltop Road were still a problem. c. Transport Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Transport Committee meeting held on 7th June 2004 be received, approved and adopted. Vide Item 35/04(i) – Gravel Path – Safety progress report Councillor Lanchin informed members that a survey had been carried out and that the Railway Bridge on Gravel Path was to be closed for two weeks and thereafter restricted to one lane of traffic for an unknown period of time. Vide Item 35/04aii Members were informed that a meeting had been arranged to take place next month with Hertfordshire Highways to discuss the design of signage for the bridge in Gravel Path. Vide Item 35/04bi – Changes to parking arrangements Members were informed that the proposed more limited parking permit scheme had now been abandoned by the Borough Council. Vide Item 35/04biii – Berkhamsted Town centre It was agreed that Councillor Stevens would prepare a report to be presented at the next Transport Committee regarding the issue of street clutter in the High Street. Action Councillor Stevens
Vide Item 35/04c – Pedestrian routes and footways Members were informed that the Town Clerk has agreed to arrange a meeting with Farmer Baxter to discuss the issue of the footpath running through his land, before the next Parish Paths meeting. Action Town Clerk
Vide Item 35/04f – Letter to Silverlink Trains Councillor Victor Earl advised members that the Town Clerk had still not received a reply to the letter regarding the latest proposals for the Silverlink service for Berkhamsted. Public Participation Mr. E. Dyer informed members that no notice had appeared in the local press regarding the fact that the Gravel Path Bridge was to be closed for two weeks. He stated that it appears that no consideration has been given to the access needs of emergency or refuse collection services in this part of the Town. The Town Clerk was asked to write to Hertfordshire County Council to seek confirmation that such consideration had been given including ascertaining that pedestrian access across the bridge would be maintained throughout the progress of the works. Action Town Clerk
d. Finance & Policy Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Finance & Policy Committee meeting held on 14th June 2004 and 19th July 2004 be received, approved and adopted subject to: Vide Item 229/04i – Proposed increase in allotment rent Members agreed to change their decision from charging an all-inclusive rent of £1.70 per pole (which would include a water levy) to maintaining the existing separate land and water rent charges and increasing the existing land rent from £1.00 to £1.30 per pole and water levy from £0.50 to £0.80 per pole. In addition members agreed that the existing tenancy agreement should be amended to include a clause that would state that all allotment rents were to be reviewed on an annual basis such that the Council were able to raise allotment charges at the beginning of a new allotment year without the requirement to give tenants a year’s notice of such increases. Action Town Clerk
The following issues were raised: Vide Item 228/04 – Dacorum Borough Council budget 2004/5 The Town Clerk was asked to write to Dacorum Borough Council to see if they envisaged any of the sums earmarked for arts and entertainment, children and young people, and community support being spent in Berkhamsted and whether the Borough could provide a breakdown of these figures for the Town. Action Town Clerk
Vide Item 232/04 – Application for a grant from Greenway First & Nursery School Councillor Victor Earl advised members that the reason Victoria School obtained a larger grant from the Town Council as compared with Greenway School was because Victoria School was closer to meeting their funding target and so the project was more certain of being able to be undertaken. Vide Item 236/04b – Festival of Light 2004 Councillor Stevens informed members that the Working Party is likely to recommend that the Town Council adopt the Hospice of St. Francis’ fund raising scheme known as “Light up a Life”. Vide Item 247/04 – Berkhamsted Parochial & Ecclesiastical Charities grant to the Town Council Members were informed that it has since been discovered that the land upon which the proposed bench seating were to be placed is owned by Dacorum Borough Council, and that the Town Clerk was in correspondence regarding this matter. Public Participation There was no public participation at this stage.
194/04 CANAL & RIVERSIDE PARTNERSHIP Councillor Stevens advised members of the following: a. Alan Prest, Economic & Social Development Officer, British Waterways, was chasing his contractor regarding the problem of Japanese Knotweed. b. Funding for repairs to bridge signs was a problem. c. Environmental award plaques have been installed on the existing Canal information plinths. d. Berkhamsted Town Council are currently investigating who is responsible for repairing/replacing the missing circular paviours at Mill Street Bridge.
195/04 ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT TEAM a. Minutes of meetings held on the 26th May and 4th August 2004 were received, approved and adopted. b. Vide F&P 229/04I: Proposal to increase allotment rent to an amount of £1.70 per pole for each tenant inclusive of water levy. Councillor Patterson referred to item 193/04d and stated that the annual review of allotment charges would enable the Council to respond directly to changes in water use based on figures contained in the Council’s year-end accounts (31st March). Changes in water costs to the Council would therefore trigger a notice of increases in rent to be issued at the beginning of the new allotment year in September. Action Town Clerk.
c. Vide F&P 229/04ii - Membership of the Allotment Management Team Members agreed that the membership of the Allotment Management Team should comprise three Town Councillors, the Site Representative of each site, and supplementary members as necessary. d. Terms of reference for the Allotment Management Team Members agreed to ask the Allotment Management Team to provide recommendations for their own Terms of Reference. Action Allotment Management Team. e. A Strategic Policy for the Management of Allotments Members agreed to ask the Allotment Management Team to provide recommendations for a Strategic Policy for the management of allotments and were advised that a meeting of the Allotment Management Team to discuss this issue had been arranged to take place on 22nd September 2004. Action Allotment Management Team. Public participation Mr. Bruce Jones, Sunnyside Allotment Representative, said that the Terms of Reference and Strategic Policy for the management of allotments should adhere to the recommendations contained in the DETR document “Growing in the Community” – a good practice guide for the management of allotments”. Mr. E. Dyer stated that in his opinion the provision of hosepipe connections, and not the siphoning of water from allotment water tanks, was causing the increase in water consumption across allotment sites. Councillor Patterson said that the tenants of Dellfield and some of the tenants of Butts Meadow allotments are unable to siphon water and so they welcome the facility to connect water hoses.
196/04 HERTFORDSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF PARISH & TOWN COUNCILS ANNUAL REPORT 2003-2004 & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Councillor Stevens highlighted the following points: a. There is a problem regarding how to raise the finance to cover the £20,000 necessary to administer HAPTC from the current subscription paid by the 95 member councils, and that the HAPTC subscription was very low when compared to other such associations. b. Gaining Quality Parish Status together with improving the training of town clerks would, in the long term, improve Parish Councils’ ability to achieve funding direct from their local community, something that may be a future requirement imposed by Central Government.
197/04 VACANCIES FOR NOMINATED GOVERNORS AT BERKHAMSTED COLLEGIATE SCHOOL & SWING GATE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Vide 248/04 Members agreed to accept Councillor Green’s nomination as the Town Council Governor to Berkhamsted Collegiate School. Action Town Clerk
It was proposed that Councillor Gibbs should be nominated as the Town Council Governor to Swing Gate Junior School and members agreed to accept this proposal. Action Town Clerk
198/04 CLOSE OF MEETING
The meeting closed at 9.03 p.m.
Reports and Minutes of the Annual meeting of BERKHAMSTED TOWN COUNCIL Held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted on TUESDAY, 25th May at 7.30 p.m. PRESENT: Members: Councillors P.G. Gibbs - Town Mayor L. Briand Mrs. F. Earl V.C. Earl Mrs. L. Featherstone Mrs. C. Green G. Lanchin J.D. Lythgoe Mrs. H. McCloskey C. Talbot-Ponsonby
Officer: Mr. C.R. Westwood - Town Clerk 164/04 TO ELECT A TOWN MAYOR TO HOLD OFFICE UNTIL THE APPOINTMENT OF A SUCCESSOR AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL IN 2005 Councillor Phillip Gibbs was elected as Town Mayor to hold office until the Annual General Meeting in 2005. There were no other nominations.
165/04 TO RECEIVE THE TOWN MAYOR’S DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE The Town Mayor signed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office in the presence of the Clerk and Members present.
166/04 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Corry, Horton, Patterson and Stevens.
167/04 TO APPOINT A DEPUTY TOWN MAYOR TO HOLD OFFICE UNTIL THE APPOINTMENT OF A SUCCESSOR AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL IN 2005 Councillor Geraldine Corry was elected as Deputy Mayor to hold Office until the Annual General Meeting in 2005. There were no other nominations.
168/04 TO APPOINT OR NOTE THE APPOINTMENT OF SCHOOL GOVERNORS TO Appointments were confirmed as follows: a. Berkhamsted Collegiate School Vacant b. Greenway School Mr. J. Baylis c. St. Thomas More School Prof. T. Breckell d. Swing Gate School Paul McCloskey e. Victoria School Mrs. C. Dell f. Westfield School Vacant
169/04 TO APPOINT FOR THE ENSUING YEAR MEMBERSHIP OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES: a. Finance & Policy Councillors Geraldine Corry Victor Earl Mrs. C. Green G. Lanchin J. Lythgoe G. Stevens Substitutes Helena McCloskey Betty Patterson
b. Environment Councillors L. Briand J. Critcher Freda Earl Lesley Featherstone Mrs. C. Green R. Horton Betty Patterson Co-opted P. Stileman Substitute C. Talbot-Ponsonby
c. Transport Councillors Victor Earl Lesley Featherstone R. Horton G. Lanchin J. Lythgoe Substitutes L. Briand C. Talbot-Ponsonby
d. Town Planning Councillors Geraldine Corry J. Critcher Helena McCloskey J. Lythgoe G. Stevens C. Talbot-Ponsonby Substitutes L. Briand Lesley Featherstone G. Lanchin Betty Patterson
e. Urgency sub-Committee Councillors P. Gibbs Mrs. C. Green J. Lythgoe The Town Mayor is an Ex-Officio of all Standing Committees. Standing Committees will consider their sub-committee and Working Party Membership at their next meeting and will elect their Chairman and Deputy Chairman for the forthcoming year.
170/04 REPRESENTATION TO OUTSIDE BODIES AND JOINT COMMITTEES The following were appointed: Age Concern Dacorum Councillor P.G. Gibbs Berkhamsted Access Committee Councillor P.G. Gibbs Berkhamsted Crime Prevention Panel Councillor Mrs.H. McCloskey, Mr. E.J. Dyer Berkhamsted Library User Group Councillor Betty Patterson Berkhamsted Market Fund Councillor V. C. Earl, Mr. S.T. Sharpe Berkhamsted Youth & Community Centre Councillor Geraldine Corry Bourne’s Educational Foundation Councillor V.C. Earl Mrs. M. Casserley Dacorum Citizens’ Advice Bureau Councillor G. Lanchin Dacorum Environmental Forum Councillors Betty Patterson Freda Earl Lesley Featherstone Julian Critcher Dacorum Council for Voluntary Service Councillors V.C. Earl, Mrs. C. Green Dacorum Police Community Partnership Councillor J.D. Lythgoe Graham Greene Birthplace Trust Councillor L. Briand Dacorum Action on Disability Hertfordshire Association of Local Councils Councillor G. Stevens Larger Local Councils Panel Councillor G. Stevens London / Luton Airport Town and Village Northchurch United Charities Councillors Mrs. C. Green, P.G. Gibbs C. Talbot- Ponsonby St. Peter’s Parochial Charities Councillors Dr. I.M. Reay, G. Stevens, Salter’s Educational Foundation Councillors V.C. Earl Mrs. C. Green Mr. G.W. Stephenson Town Hall Trust Councillor Lesley Featherstone Housing Advice Panel Councillor Geraldine Corry
171/04 TO CONSIDER PAYMENT OF SUBSCRIPTIONS TO BE PAID ANNUALLY The following annual payments were approved: £ HAPTC 1,227.82 SLCC 121.00 NALC Information Service 91.00 Chiltern Society 25.00 Open Spaces Society 27.50 Berkhamsted Review 3.00 Data Protection 35.00 Community Development Agency 25.00
172/04 TO INSPECT ANY DEED AND TRUST INSTRUMENTS IN THE CUSTODY OF THE TOWN COUNCIL Details circulated with the agenda in a letter from the Town Council Solicitor were noted. 173/04 MAYORAL ENGAGEMENTS 2003/2004 Details circulated with the agenda were noted. The Town Mayor said that he had undertaken a very interesting and enjoyable number of engagements throughout his mayoral year. 174/04 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST REGARDING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Councillors Gibbs and Lanchin declared a personal interest in Finance & Policy minute 219/04 concerning a grant to Age Concern.
175/04 MINUTES The minutes of the last meeting held on the 5th April 2004 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.
176/04 MATTERS ARISING Vide Item 159/04d – Skateboard Park Councillor Lythgoe said that the planning application had been submitted as a result of which the Planning Officer had requested further information. A site meeting with a potential supplier had been held and the information required by the Planning Officer was soon to be provided.
177/04 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There were three members of the public present plus Sergeant Rayment of the Police Community Team. Sergeant Rayment provided a breakdown of the crime figures for last year and the first three months of this year. He said that he was currently working temporarily in another post but cover was being provided by the Community Sergeant from Tring. Councillor McCloskey asked him if there was any progress in supplying CCTV coverage in Church Lane but none was reported. Councillor Briand asked what the situation was in Berkhamsted with Neighbourhood Watch and Victim Support. Sergeant Rayment said that neighbourhood watches were active and supported by Phil Anslow based as Hemel Hempstead Police Station. He had no information concerning Victim Support. Sergeant Rayment thanked those members of the Town Council who had supported the Police Station Open Day which had been a great success.
178/04 TOWN MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS The Comprehensive Performance Assessment of Dacorum Borough Council was available for reference. Notification of a Conference to be held in Colchester on the 6th July 2004 called ‘Funding & Managing Community Projects, at a cost of £30. Notification from the CDA of a Rural Enterprise Project event to be held on the 23rd June 2004 at Cottered Village Hall. A copy of a consultation letter sent to residents in the vicinity of Douglas Gardens concerning the installation of a fence between Douglas Gardens and Coombe Gardens. The letter had been copied to Ward Councillors.
179/04 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Town Planning Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Planning Committee meetings held on 19th April 2004 and 11th May 2004 be received, approved and adopted. Public Participation Stanley Sharpe asked if any plans had been received in respect of development at Stag Lane in view of the urgent need for social housing in the Town. Councillor Talbot-Ponsonby said that no such plans had been received but it was agreed to enquire with Dacorum Borough Council as to when any development might take place. Action Town Clerk
b. Environment Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Environment Committee meeting held on 27th April 2004 be received, approved and adopted subject to: Vide item 23/04 Membership of the Committee It was agreed that Patrick Stileman, Warden of Birtchnell’s Copse would be co-opted as a member of the Environment Committee. Public Participation There was no public participation.
c. Transport committee No meeting held Public Participation Angela Wheeldon said that she had heard a rumour that after the work had been completed on the railway bridge opposite the Crystal Palace public house the bridge would be lower than it is at present. Councillor Talbot-Ponsonby said that the planning application had shown it at the same height and there had been no amendments to the application. It was agreed to enquire if there was any change to the bridge height. Action Town Clerk
Angela Wheeldon asked if there had been any response to the enquiry regarding replacement trees in the High Street and was informed there would be a replacement programme in the Autumn following preparation of the replacement sites. Angela Wheeldon asked if an item could be placed on the agenda for the next Network meeting to encourage better communication between Hertfordshire Highways and the Town Council who should be notified when public utilities and Hertfordshire Highways are to carry out work which might interfere with local activities such as the Saturday and Sunday markets. Action Assistant to the Town Clerk
d. Finance & Policy Committee It was RESOLVEDThat the reports and minutes of the Finance & Policy Committee meeting held on 17th May 2004 be received, approved and adopted subject to: Vide Item 209/04 – Introduction of wheelie bins in North Road The Town Mayor said that a DBC Waste Inspector had reported that there would be no problem with the introduction of wheelie bins in North Road. The local residents, however, did not agree and a meeting has been arranged. Councillor Lanchin asked what the situation was with wheelie bins being sited outside houses in the Conservation Area. He reminded members that David Austin, Waste Management Officer, Dacorum Borough Council, would be present prior to the Transport Committee meeting on 7th June 2004 to discuss the implementation of bins in Berkhamsted. It was agreed to obtain a view from the Conservation Officer before that meeting. Action Town ClerkVide 216/04 – Billy Smarts Human Circus The Town Clerk advised members that the circus would not be coming to the Town in July but were considering an application for September 2004. Vide 219/04 – Accounts & Grants Sub-committee 12th May 2004 It was RESOLVEDTo accept the recommendations of the Finance & Policy Committee in respect of the grants detailed in the minutes and the approval of payments and receipts. Public Participation There was no public participation.
180/04 CANAL & RIVERSIDE PARTNERSHIP – PROGRESS REPORT The report circulated to members was noted. The Town Mayor advised that he was also present at the meeting but his name had been omitted from the minutes.
181/04 DETERMINATION OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS Councillor Talbot-Ponsonby referred to a letter circulated with the agenda and a previous letter received from a Portfolio Holder, Councillor S. Mills, He said that his Committee had no objections to the new proposals for reporting planning recommendations and had indeed adopted them at their last meeting without problem. It was therefore agreed to continue to use the new procedure for reporting.
182/04 TO CONSIDER PAYMENT OF A CARERS ALLOWANCE – REFERRED FROM FINANCE & POLICY COMMITTEE VIDE 211/04 Councillor Victor Earl pointed out that where the minutes from Finance & Policy Committee referred to allowances they were in fact expenses. Following discussion it was RESOLVED That the Town Council would pay carers reasonable expenses in respect of childcare duties undertaken for a Town Councillor when attending official duties on behalf of the Town Council and that the expense would be paid direct to the carer upon application to and approval by the Town Council.
183/04 CLOSE OF MEETING
The meeting closed at 8.25 p.m.
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