Full Council Minutes 22nd August 2007
AT A MEETING of HARWICH TOWN COUNCIL
held at 1912 CENTRE, HARWICH, ESSEX
on WEDNESDAY 22 nd AUGUST at 8.00pm.
PRESENT
The Mayor Councillor D McLeod in the Chair
The Deputy Mayor Councillor D Rutson
Councillors:
B Brown
J Brown
S Tyrer
P Burke
J Wares
M Gardner
L Double
A Colbourne
G Calver
A Morrison
R Callender
The Clerk to the Council Mrs E Novorol
Also present were one member of the press and three members of the public.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors BHowlett, L Payne and S Henderson.
Prayers were said by the Reverend E Lammens.
56/07 REPRESENTATIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None
57/07 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None
58/07 MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Mayor gave details of engagements undertaken since the last meeting and mentioned that he had attended the final Hospital Fete which marked 50 years of the event taking place. Councillor G Calver suggested and it was unanimously RESOLVED: to write to the Fellowship of the Sick and express the thanks of Harwich Town Council for all their efforts and hard work over the years.
59/07 MINUTES
RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting held on the 11 th July 2007 (previously circulated) be approved by the
Chairman and signed as a true record.
60/07 INVESTITURE OF HIGH STEWARD
The Clerk gave a brief progress report on plans for the investiture which will take place on 1st November with a Special Council Meeting to be held at the Electric Palace Cinema. It is hoped that local children can take part in the church service and the reception which follows this may be held at the Pier Hotel.
61/07 POLLING DISTRICT AND POLLING PLACE REVIEW
Councillor Calver mentioned his concerns regarding the split between two wards of the stretch of Main Road, Dovercourt between Birch Avenue and the hospital. Councillors Double outlined his concerns that many electors have too far to travel to vote. He also explained his concerns regarding mobility issues with the polling place at Chase Lane school.
RESOLVED: to revert to Tendring District Council with these comments.
62/07 TENDRING DRAFT SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY STRATEGY
Councillors were advised that the consultation period for this document ends on 21 st September, 2007.
63/07 LICENSING ACT 2003 REVIEW OF STATEMENT OF LICENSING POLICY
Councillors were advised that comments on the document must be received by Tendring District Council by 30th September, 2007.
64/07 FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE
Councillor J Wares presented the minutes of the meeting held on 25 th July 2007. RESOLVED: that the minutes, including agreement for all recommendations be adopted providing the following, which was omitted, be reported in the minutes of this Full Council Meeting:
A discussion took place regarding grant funding given to Harwich Connexions Tourist Information Centre. The Committee were advised that the sum of £5000 as agreed in Harwich Town Council’s budget for 2007/08 had been sent to the Tourist Information Centre.
The minutes of the Finance and General Purposed committee meeting held on 25 th July, 2007 show that Councillor Double declared an interest in this item and left the meeting for the duration of the discussion.
65/07 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
The Mayor, Councillor D McLeod, gave a brief update on progress.
66/07 FINANCIAL UPDATE
Payments and receipts, current balances, financial activity against budgets and earmarked funds were noted.
67/07 CCTV COVERAGE AT STATIONS SERVING HARWICH
Councillor Calver advised the meeting of his serious concerns that stations serving Harwich are not being staffed at the same time that CCTV cameras are not operational. A lengthy discussion followed with particular concerns regarding Manningtree Station being emphasised. RESOLVED: to write to One Railway requesting that when there is not CCTV coverage, they should ensure that the station remains staffed until all passengers have finished using it.
68/07 TOWN CENTRE MANAGER
Councillor B Brown requested confirmation of the position of Town Centre Manager and a lengthy discussion followed. The Mayor, Councillor D McLeod, offered to meet with Councillor Brown to explain what had happened in the past regarding the post.
69/07 A120 HARE GREEN TO HARWICH
Councillor J Brown spoke regarding accidents and fatalities on the A120 and stated that he believed the road should be a dual carriageway. Councillor Brown asked this council, along with other Parish councils in the area, to support a proposed campaign to secure such an upgrading. RESOLVED: to defer the matter to the next meeting when statistical data from Essex Police will be available.
70/07 PRESENTATION EVENING FOR PREVIOUS MEMBERS
RESOLVED: that the Mayor will liaise with the Clerk and arrange the presentation evening.
71/07 BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDEN PARTY
RESOLVED: to nominate Councillor McLeod in recognition of his past service as Mayor.
72/07 HARWICH CONNEXIONS
A letter, together with a copy of the accounts of the event, thanking this council for the funding of Party in the Park, was read to the meeting. A cheque for £670.02 in donations will be split between the Mayoress’ Appeal and local youth groups.
73/07 TEENTALK
A letter from Teentalk, thanking this council for the donation of a photocopier, was read to the meeting.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.20pm.