Keynsham Town Council s1

KEYNSHAM TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Tuesday 23rd June 2015 at 7.30 pm at the Community Space, Civic Centre, Market Walk, Keynsham.

PRESENT: Councillors D Biddleston, J Cron, A Crouch, J Douglas, J Fleming, C Fricker, D Nelson, L O'Brien, B Simmons, K Simmons, A Sinclair, S Waite and Z Wilkins.

IN ATTENDANCE: Jo Swift – Town Clerk, 5 members of the public, 1 member of the press, Councillor C Gerrish (B&NES Council ) and A Wait (Youth Council).

33. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors K Baker and C Duckett.

34. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor L O’Brien and C Fricker - agenda item 14 – as members of the sub-group (Timeline) of the Arts Advisory Group.

35. NON DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS

There were none.

36. DISPENSATIONS

There were none.

37. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Town Council held on 19th May 2015 are confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

38. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

A member of the public, who lives close to the Memorial Park, spoke in relation to agenda item 27 - lighting of the skateboard park. He had previously written to the Town Clerk and the email had been distributed to all Councillors prior to the meeting. The family are users of the park themselves and whilst it is enjoyable during the day it is quite different in the evening. The 3 main problem areas, as detailed in the email, are:

(i) Skateboard park area (2) Five-a-side football courts (3) Storage units in the car park.

Concerns were expressed that lighting the skateboard park would aggravate the problems. It was suggested that implementing the following would alleviate some of the issues: 2 | P a g e

 Supervision of the skate park such as police patrols or other formal supervision.

 CCTV – this would stop the arson attacks.

 Netting over the 5-a-side courts to keep footballs in the courts and soft padding to stop the noise.

Questions were asked by Councillors – if we were to achieve some of the suggestions made would you be happy for the skateboard park to be lit? - Yes, I would be happy to experiment with lighting the skateboard park.

What time do these problems go on to? - Usually 7pm to 10pm but it can be as late as 11.30pm.

Has Jane Robson being contacted? - Yes, but no constructive solution has been offered.

39. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE BY MEMBERS

The following question was received from Councillor D Biddleston:

Would the Council agree to invest in a 'loop system' for Town Council meetings to enable those with hearing difficulties, whether members of the Council or members of the public, who might wish to attend?

RESOLVED:

(i) That a price for a ‘loop system’ is obtained with a view to purchase.

The following question was received from Councillor B Simmons:

Our Town Council meetings normally take place on the third Tuesday of each month, with the exception of June (4th) and July (2nd). Our February 2016 meeting is scheduled to take place on 16th. This date clashes with an important budget meeting of BANES Council with which, both I and you Chair, are involved. Could I therefore ask Councillors to agree to bring forward the date of the February 2016 meeting by one week to February 9th so that we can attend both? RESOLVED:

(ii) That the date of the Town Council meeting in February 2016 is changed to February 9th 2016.

The following question was received from Councillor A Sinclair:

I would like to ask for the following question to be considered for discussion at the next Town Council meeting in July. My Question is:

Residents are increasingly concerned about the ongoing speeding in and around Key nsham and how to deal with this increasing issue of Speed, Vehicle Noise and Pollutio n that is affecting them across the town?’.

A discussion took place regarding this matter. It was reported that a Transport Strategy is going to B&NES Council Cabinet on 8th July following a public engagement. It will be out the week before and it was suggested that if the paper could come to the Town Council this would be a starting point to discuss this issue. 3 | P a g e

RESOLVED:

(iii) It was agreed to look at the Transport Strategy when it becomes available and invite a Senior Member from B&NES to the August meeting of the Town Council.

40. MINUTES OF MEETINGS

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Planning and Development Committee – 11th May and 1st June 2015 and the minutes of the Grants Committee meeting held on 2nd June 2015 are approved.

41. UPDATE ON YOUTH COUNCIL

Andy Wait spoke to Councillors about the history of the Youth Council from how it started to where it is now. Questions were taken:

How long is the term for members? - Core members are elected in September and are for 2 years. The other members are elected in February.

If young people drop out do you call a bye-election? - Not for Broadlands as there many interested young people that did not get elected but yes for Wellsway there probably would have to be a bye-election.

RESOLVED:

That the Town Council agrees that the Youth Council continues with the support of the Town Council.

42. DISPLAY OF EVENT ADVERTISING (PLANNING APPLICATION)

Ann Cullis spoke about this item. A question was asked who paid for the planning application for the blanket cover in Bath – it was B&NES Council. Members felt that it was unfair for B&NES Council to pay for Bath but to expect Keynsham Town Council to pay for Keynsham and that whilst the amount of money was not an issue it was a matter of principle.

RESOLVED:

That the Town Council approves the proposal to submit a blanket cover planning application but will not pay the £385 required.

43. NEW QUALITY TOWN COUNCIL SCHEME - LOCAL COUNCIL AWARDS

There were mixed views from members about the scheme and whether to join the new scheme or not and at what level as there would be cost implications, time required by officers and councilors, plus additional training etc. The benefits of the new scheme are not yet known. The Town Clerk said that there were also mixed views from other Town Councils, she thought this might be a discussion at the SLCC conference in October when more information and feedback may become available. 4 | P a g e

RESOLVED:

That this item is put back on the agenda to be considered at the November Town Council meeting.

44. TITLE OF MAYOR

As a follow on from Councillor Biddleston's question, he contacted Mayors from Trowbridge, Midsomer Norton and Frome Town Council to obtain their views on what the benefits of having a Mayor are. The replies were read out.

Concerns were made about the amount of engagements a Mayor has, one Town Council reported 170 engagements a year, this would have implications in terms of time and costs.

A lengthy discussion took place, several proposals were made. It was proposed that Keynsham Town Council creates a Working Party if they are minded to move forward with the idea of having a Mayor. This was not seconded.

It was suggested that the Town should be engaged with via a consultation as it should be a decision for the town if they want a Mayor.

It was requested that the above proposal is amended to read Keynsham Town Council creates a working party, if they are minded to move forward, with the idea of having a Mayor to work out the criteria before consultation with residents. This was not seconded.

A further proposal was made which was seconded and voted on – the Town Council does not do anything further regarding have a Mayor.

RESOLVED:

That the Town Council does not have a Mayor.

45. REMOTE HOSTING

Members considered a report on Remote Hosting. Concerns were expressed regarding the costs and that the Town Council's present internet speed may not be sufficient for remote hosting.

RESOLVED:

That further research is done with regards to the Town Councils present internet speed and if this is sufficient for the remote hosting.

46. TIMELINE

RESOLVED:

That £5,000 is given towards the Timeline Project and that this is taken from GPOC which is in earmarked reserves. 5 | P a g e

47. SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURE – MONTH 2 (May 2015)

RESOLVED:

That the attached Schedule of Expenditure is approved.

48. BANK RECONCILIATION – MONTH 2 (May 2015)

RESOLVED:

That the attached Bank Reconciliation is received and noted.

49. PETTY CASH EXPENDITURE – MONTH 2 (May 2015)

RESOLVED:

That the attached Petty Cash Expenditure sheet is approved.

50. JOURNALS

RESOLVED:

That the information be received and noted.

51. BUDGET MONITORING REPORT – MONTH 2 (May 2015)

RESOLVED:

That the attached Budget Monitoring Report is received and noted.

52. YOUTH FINANCES (May 2015)

RESOLVED:

That the attached Youth Expenditure sheet for May be received and noted.

53. TIMEOUT ATTENDANCE MAY 2014/MAY 2015

Members were pleased to see the comments from the Youth Worker for May 2015

RESOLVED:

That the monthly comparison sheet be received and noted.

54. FINAL INTERNAL AUDIT REPORT - 2014/2015

RESOLVED:

That the information be noted.

55. ST.JOHN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

RESOLVED:

That the Town Clerk replies stating that since this subject may be party political it was suggested to members of the Town Council that they reply to the consultation individually. 6 | P a g e

56. REPORT FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES

The Chair reported that she had attend a blessing of the new commemorative World War 1 seat and the new Cremated Remains section at Keynsham Cemetery on Friday 29 May. On Saturday 6th June the Chair attended the Election of Mayor Ceremony at Bath Abbey.

The Chair had just returned from a visit to Libourne as a member of the Twinning Association. Warm wishes from the Mayor of Libourne to the Town Council were sent.

Councillor Fricker recently attended the funeral of Nigel Jacks. Nigel will be sadly missed; he gave a great service to Friends of Manor Road Community Woodland and to Keynsham. He had in 2008 received a Keynsham Good Citizens Award from the Town Council for his work with the Friends of Manor Road Community Woodland.

Councillor C Gerrish gave the following update from B&NES Council on issues relating to Keynsham:

 Vacant retail units in the new development – the bottom unit by Bonzo Lounge has been taken. Pomengrate is taking 2 units next to Gregory’s. Talks are presently taking place regarding the remaining units. Detailed Information regarding this was emailed to Councillors by the Clerk on 17th June 2015.  Leisure Centre – the previously favoured location of Ashton Way is not that of the new administration so other sites are being looked at. Bath & North East Somerset Council has appointed Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to operate its leisure facilities from July 1, following an extensive tendering process. Detailed Information regarding this was emailed to Councillors by the Clerk on 27th May 2015.  The footbridge in the Memorial Park will be worked on in this financial year.  Councillor Gerrish then asked for some feedback from Councillors regarding the crossing outside of St Keyna School and a proposed prefabricated island.

Councillors were asked if they would like a regular update from Charles, in way of an agenda item, at all future meetings. All agreed that this would be beneficial.

57. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

RESOLVED:

That the scheduled date and time of the next Town Council meeting is Tuesday 14th July 2015 at 7.30 p.m. in the Community Space, Civic Centre, Market Walk, Keynsham.

58. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC

RESOLVED:

That pursuant to the provision of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, the press and public was excluded from the meeting for the following item of business by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

59. LIGHTING AT THE SKATEBOARD PARK 7 | P a g e

Due to it being 10.00 pm and the room is only available until 10.00pm it was agreed to put this back on the agenda for the July Town Council meeting.

RESOLVED:

That this item is put on the July Town Council agenda.

The meeting finished at 10.00pm

SIGNED:...... (Chairman) Dated: ......