Minutes of the Town Projects Meeting held on 18 th January 2011 in the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Windmill Lane, Northam at 10.00am

Present: Cllrs Miller (Chairman), Mrs Whittaker, Hames, Johnson, Langton, and Osborne

In attendance: Cllr Eastman

Mrs Jane Mills, Town Clerk

A member of the public

1101/12 Chairman's announcements

There were no announcements.

It was resolved to suspend Standing Orders to allow a member of the public to speak in connection with some questions raised about Burrough Farm. It was agreed to hold a meeting at Burrough Farm to discuss various grievances. It was resolved to reinstate Standing Orders.

1101/13 Apologies

Apologies were received from Cllr Edwards and Cllr Robinson.

1101/14 Declarations of interest

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

1101/15 To agree the Agenda as published

It was resolved to agree the Agenda as published

1101/16 To confirm and sign the minutes of the Town Projects Meeting held on 17 th November 2010

It was resolved to confirm and sign the minutes as a true record of the meeting.

1101/17 To consider items referred from Full Council

There were no items referred from Full Council

1101/18 To consider Dog Fouling Orders and correspondence

It was resolved to seek further advice on the implementation of Dog Control Orders from Torridge. Correspondence was noted re dog fouling and it was resolved to request from Torridge the installation of a dog bin in Orchard Hill. The Clerk would remind Torridge again that an earlier request for two bins to be installed had not yet been fulfilled.

1101/19 To consider correspondence from the Allotment Association

Correspondence from the Allotment Association was noted and a response drafted.

1101/20 To consider Seagate Car Park

It was resolved to arrange a meeting with the tenant to put forward proposals for the future.

1101/21 To consider an approach from Torridge regarding toilets in Westward Ho!

The Clerk was asked to obtain information on the likely cost of acquiring the toilets and possible change of use. The response to be considered at a future Town Projects meeting.

1101/22 To consider an update on the Newsletter

It was resolved that Cllr Hames would prepare a template for the next meeting in anticipation of contributions. Correspondence was noted.

1101/23 To consider highways matters (including grit bins and street lighting)

It was resolved to write again to Highways expressing concern that lighting is not being operated in accordance with the agreement that the lights would only be switched off between 12.30 and 5.30. Northam Town Council understands that this was a trial scheme and as there appears to be problems with its operation suggests that the switch off time be reduced to four hours a night to take into account the difficulties Devon County Council seems to be experiencing.

With regard to grit bins, Cllr Eastman advised that he had funded an additional 4 bins and it was resolved that Councillors would bring their suggestions to the next meeting as to where further bins could be sited. The Clerk would enquire as to the cost of purchasing additional bins. The Maintenance Technicians will have the responsibility of checking the bins regularly added to their list of duties, to ensure there is always a supply of grit.

1101/24 To consider Community Tree Fund 2011

It was resolved not to proceed with an application this year.

1101/25 To consider an update on the Burrough Farm:

Correspondence from Torridge; Ongoing works

It was resolved to respond to correspondence.

1101/26 To consider seasonal street decorations.

It was resolved to seek costings for hanging baskets for consideration at the next meeting.

1101/27 To consider upgrade of gents toilets at Northam Hall.

It was resolved to obtain three quotes and to proceed with the necessary work

1101/28 To consider celebrations for the Royal Wedding.

It was resolved to consider this further at the next meeting.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 12.25pm