Minutes of a meeting of the Town Council held on Wednesday 23 rd February 2011 at the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Windmill Lane Northam commencing at 7.00 pm

Present: Cllrs Langton (Chairman),

Mrs Biggs, Mrs Collins, Mrs Whittaker, Braund Eastman, Edwards, Hames, Johnson, Miller, Osborne, Robinson and Tisdale

In Attendance: Mrs Jane Mills, Town Clerk

Members of the press and public

1102/97 Prayers

There was no Minister in attendance

1102/98 Chairman's announcements

•  The Chairman read a letter received from the Chief Constable in response to the letter from the Council.

•  An update was given on the refurbishment of the office and the need to replace the door because of asbestos. This is at a cost of £965.25 because of the cost of removing brown asbestos. It was agreed to proceed with this. A vote of thanks was proposed to Councillor Miller for his help with the work in the office refurbishment.

•  The Chairman advised members of an invitation to attend a meeting with the County Council and Bideford Town Council to discuss further Westleigh Junction. 5 members advised they will attend, others to confirm by next Tuesday 1 st March.

•  There was a request for Agenda items for the proposed liaison meeting with Torridge. These need to be received by the Clerk at the latest on Monday 28 th February

•  A parking questionnaire has been received. The Clerk will e-mail to members for them to complete and return as soon as possible.

1102/99 Apologies

Apologies were received from Cllr Mrs Boyle

1102/100 Declarations of interest

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

1102/101 To agree the agenda as published

It was resolved to agree the Agenda as published.

1102/102 To confirm and sign the minutes of the Full Council Meeting held on 26 th January 2011 as a correct record

It was resolved to confirm and sign the minutes of the Full Council Meeting held on 26 th January 2011 as a correct record.

1102/103 To receive and adopt the reports of minutes and resolutions contained therein from Committees and Sub-Committees

Planning Committee – January 26 th 2011

Town Projects –8 th February 2011

Finance Committee – 8 th February 2011(herewith)

It was resolved to adopt the reports of minutes and resolutions contained therein.

1102/104 To receive a Police Report

Apologies were received from the police but a report (attached) was read by the Chairman

1102/105 To receive questions and/or deputations or petitions from parishioners. All

deputations or petitions to be referred without discussion to the clerk for action, or to the next council meeting for discussion as appropriate. Any question requiring an answer at the meeting to be submitted at least five working days before the meeting to the Town Council office.

No questions were received

1102/106 Public Participation

It was noted that Members of the public are permitted to make representations, answer questions and give evidence in respect of any item of business included in the agenda. Each member of the public is entitled to speak once only in respect of business itemised on the agenda and shall not speak for more than 3 minutes. The period of time which is designated for public participation in accordance with Standing Orders shall not exceed 15 minutes.

1102/107 To consider proposals regarding a website following the presentation at the last Full Council Meeting

Following a lengthy discussion regarding the website there was a proposal from Cllr Eastman that a decision should be deferred until the new Council was elected. This was seconded by Cllr Braund there were six votes in favour and seven against. There was a second proposal by Cllr Johnson to go ahead with the website immediately and this was seconded by Cllr Mrs Collins. Votes were seven in favour, five against and one abstention. It was resolved to go ahead immediately.

1102/108 To receive and consider reports from the Town Clerk

•  Monthly Financial Report and list of payments and a monthly bank reconciliation

•  Report on attendance at First Aid Course and consideration of a defibrillator

It was resolved to accept the reports and list of payments from the Town Clerk, and discussions on a defibrillator would not be appropriate at this time.

1102/109 To consider request from Appledore Pilot Gig Club and Appledore & Instow Regatta Committee following a response from Torridge

Following a response from Torridge advising that there were only two free car parking days allotted for Northam Town Council it was resolved to award the remaining day to Appledore and Instow Regatta committee this year. A majority were in favour with one abstention.

1102/110 To consider Garden Party invitation

It was resolved to put forward Cllr Langton as our representative for selection .All were in favour.

1102/111 To appoint a committee for Emergency Planning

It was resolved to defer this appointment until the new Council is in place.

1102/112 Correspondence

•  Letter from Devon County Council re two footpaths added in the Parish of Northam; one between Heywood Road and Fox Hill and the other from Durrant Lane to Lower Cleave.

It was resolved to note the correspondence.

1102/113 To consider Street Matters

Road closure application Cross Street Northam 16/05/2011 to 18/05/2011 inclusive.

The Clerk was asked to seek more information regarding this.

1102/114 Reports from District Members

There were brief reports from District members. Cllr Robinson spoke about the make-up of committees at Torridge. Cllr Tisdale advised that the toilets at Westward Ho! are ready. Cllr Johnson advised that North Devon+ has been asked to host the Atlantic Water Sports competition in the summer, this is a great opportunity for the area. Cllr Eastman spoke about a document which will be in Appledore library which might be helpful to the business plan in relation to the Burrows.

1102/115 Report from County Councillor

County Councillor Eastman reported that recycling bins will be provided at Bone  Hill, signage will be provided. Morwenna Park Orchard is proceeding thanks to a major thrust by Tarka Housing, Cllrs Eastman and Cox have made contributions. Cllr Eastman will be supporting the proposed memory cafe for Northam  and feels it will be a wonderful project. The local libraries are not under threat and there may be some renovation work. The potholes in Merley Road are to be repaired and the safety pavement at Churchill Way is to go ahead.

Cllr Robinson spoke about the Westleigh Junction meeting that has been arranged and also about cost cutting in respect of the coastguard stations.