Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Town Council held on Wednesday 12 th May 2010 at the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Windmill Lane Northam

Present: Cllrs Langton (Chairman), Mrs Biggs, Mrs Boyle, Braund, Mrs Collins, Mrs Cox, Eastman, Edwards, Hames, Johnson, Miller, Osborne, Robinson and Tisdale

In Attendance : Mrs Jane Mills, Town Clerk

1005/15 Address and Welcome by the retiring Town Mayor

The retiring Mayor gave a brief address on his short time as Mayor, following the resignation of Cllr Osborne and then presented Cllr Osborne with his past Mayor's badge.

1005/16 Apologies

All members were present.

1005/17 Election of Town Mayor and signing of acceptance of Office

There was a nomination received for Cllr Langton and it was unanimously resolved to appoint him as Mayor. He signed the acceptance of Office and advised the Council that he hoped his Charities for the forthcoming year would be SSAFA and Northam Lodge. He would like to see grant recipients attend a presentation evening and would like to hold some sort of reception with the Twinning Association. He would like his Civic Reception to focus on a celebration of Northam. He also proposed that whoever holds the office of Mayor should be appointed ex-officio to all committees. It was resolved to agree to this proposal.

1005/18 Election of Deputy Town Mayor and signing of acceptance of Office

There were two nominations received and ballot papers were distributed.

Votes were counted and Cllr Mrs Boyle was declared as the Deputy Mayor. She then signed the acceptance of Office.

1005/19 Declarations of interest.

Members were reminded that all interests must be declared prior to the item being discussed.

1005/20 To confirm and sign the minutes of the Annual Town Council Meeting held on 13 th May 2009 as a correct record

It was resolved to confirm and sign the minutes of the Annual Town Council Meeting held on 13 th May 2009 as a correct record.

1005/21 To receive reports from outgoing Committee Chairmen

Town Projects - the Chairman reported it had been a busy year with purchase of

Burrough Farm and the Seagate Car Park. Burrough Farm was progressing well but fencing had been delayed. Discussions will be taking place on the Seagate Car Park. Talks will be taking place shortly on employing part time staff. The website is to be updated and additional Christmas trees were provided this year.

Burrows Advisory Committee - the Chairman reported that not much had happened this year but discussions were progressing regarding acquiring the Burrows. The way forward with regard to which umbrella this should come under will be on the Agenda for 26 th May.

Planning - The Chairman reported that most application decisions concurred with Torridge District Council decisions, a lot of work goes into planning meetings and members were to be applauded for their diligence.

Finance - the Chairman advised that there had been a small increase in the precept this year. The skatepark was completed through lottery funding. Committee budgets were split this year and it was the responsibility of Committee Chairmen to ensure they did not go over budget. The lease was in place for Blackies. Seagate Car Park and Burrough Farm have been purchased through a five year loan. Grants have come under tighter control and budgetary controls are in place. New hardware and software has been installed in the office. Thanks were expressed to the outgoing Clerk and Committee Chairmen.

1005/22 Appointments to Town Projects Committee

It was resolved to appoint Cllrs Mrs Cox, Edwards, Hames, Johnson Miller, Osborne, and Robinson Cllr Langton ex-officio

1005/23 Appointments to Burrows Advisory Committee

It was resolved to appoint Cllrs Mrs Biggs, Mrs Collins, Eastman, Edwards, Hames, Osborne, and Tisdale Cllr Langton ex-officio

1005/24 Appointments to Planning Committee

It was resolved to appoint Cllrs Mrs Biggs, Mrs Boyle, Mrs Collins, Edwards, Hames, Osborne, and Tisdale Cllr Langton ex-officio

1005/25 Appointments to Finance Committee

It was resolved to appoint Cllrs Mrs Collins, Edwards, Hames, Miller, Osborne, and the Chair of the Burrows Committee and Town Projects as ex officio members

Cllr Langton ex-officio

1005/26 Appointments to Outside Bodies

It was resolved to make appointments to outside bodies in accordance with the attached schedule.

1005/27 To appoint cheque signatories

It was resolved that all members of the Finance Committee with the Town Clerk and Assistant Town Clerk should be signatories, with one Councillor and the Town Clerk or the Assistant Town Clerk signing at any one time.

1005/28 To note the attendance record of Councillors at meetings

It was resolved to note the attendance record.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.15pm

 

 

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