Annual Meeting 16th April 2013

Deborah Rich asked members if they would consider making themselves more accessible to the community by hold bi-monthly surgeries. The Labour group confirmed all were welcome to attend their coffee mornings and the Conservative group issue Harwich Matters to every household detailing news, updates and contact details. Contact details for all Councillors can be found on the website, Town Guide and the office. Members hoped that should a member of the public have an issue, they would contact their local councillor immediately.

Mr Sergeant made reference to the poor state of several areas including Station Lane, Patrick Lane, the bottom of Victoria Street and the Old Victoria Hotel. Members hoped that the Old Victoria Hotel could form part of Dovercourt Rediscovered and a review of what help could be given to move the development of the site on. Members urged the public to report fly tipping and promoted the forthcoming Tidy Tendring Campaign.

Mr Rutson expressed his concerns about access to the Council website and was informed that the cause could be connected to his browser and pop up blocker. Dr Rogers felt there were issues relating to draft minutes not being published and was given assurances by the Clerk that it would be looked into.

Betty Holbrook enquired why the recent by-elections were not held on the same day as the ECC elections to help reduce costs. Members confirmed that the election is determined by the date at which the election is triggered and the timescale is dictated by electoral law.

Dr Rogers raised a question regarding applications where comments were made by HTC with some form of objection and asked for the percentage of those applications which were then approved by TDC. Cllr Mcleod agreed to request this information from TDC.

Deborah Rich stated that at the recent TDC Question Time, a suggestion was made for HTC to create a committee for tourism and asked if HTC was considering this as she felt that the town was missing out on business from the cruise ships. Lesley Pollard confirmed that the local paper had unfortunately misquoted people which did not lead to a positive article. All parties are hoping to work together and plan for the next scheduled cruise ships so that Harwich is promoted as open for business.

Mr Rutson referred to a reply received from the Clerk where reference was made to training offered to Councillors for finance and budget matters and asked who had undertaken training. Certain members confirmed training and knowledge had been obtained through their private work as well as the Council.   The Clerk confirmed that training is always available from the Clerk or trained specialists at a cost.   Councillors regularly contact the office to enquire or question aspects of the finances and felt confident that Councillors would ask for help if it was required.

Dr Rogers asked if the Council felt the market was successful taking into consideration the disadvantage of the disruptions and that only 2 or 3 stalls were in place some weeks in the winter. Lesley Pollard confirmed that the minimum number of stalls had not gone below 5 and that funds from the market was paying for the promotion of the town at the Port as well as the hanging baskets and Christmas lights. The Council believe it has been a success and should continue to support it in the future.

Following Peter Halliday’s visit to the last HTC meeting, Deborah Rich asked if contact had been made with the Co-op to request improvements are made to their property in Kingsway. The Clerk confirmed that a copy of the letter had been received and would be forwarded to Councillors in due course.

The Chairman acknowledged and welcomed the improved attendance and thanked the public for taking their time to attend the meeting.