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KEYNSHAM TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Tuesday 17th November 2015 at 7.30 pm at the Community Space, Civic Centre, Market Walk, Keynsham.
PRESENT: Councillors K Baker, D Biddleston, J Cron, T Crouch, C Duckett, S Edwards, C Fricker, L O'Brien (Chair), B Simmons, K Simmons,
A Sinclair, S Waite and Z Wilkins.
IN ATTENDANCE: J Swift – Town Clerk, 20 members of the public, 2 member of the press and 6 directors/members from Keynsham Music Festival Association.
181. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Councillor J Douglas and Charles Gerrish (B&NES Councillor).
182. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor B Simmons declared an interest in agenda item 33.
183. NON DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS
There were none.
184. DISPENSATIONS
There were none.
185. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
RESOLVED:
That the minutes of the meeting of the Town Council held on 27th October 2015 are confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
186. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
3 member of the public spoke in regards to the following issues:
1. Keynsham Leisure Centre.
It was mentioned that as Councillor M Veal, the Cabinet Member responsible for the new Leisure Centre, was addressing Council later in the meeting the points raised would be dealt with then. It was mentioned that not all the information provided by the resident was factually accurate.
2. The resident spoke in favour of the Town Council doing a Neighbourhood Plan.
3. Point of Order relating to Leisure Centre. The resident gave some information and said that the Town Council minutes from the meeting held on 27.10.15 are therefore not accurate.
The minutes of 27.10.15 are accurate in terms of what was reported.
187. CHAIRMANS ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Chair has attended the following:
The Annual Civic Celebrations in Bath - 25 October 2015 - to celebrate 800 years since the signing of the Magna Carta
The Keynsham Remembrance Parade and Church Service - 8 November 2015 -, the Chair laid a wreath on behalf of the Town Council.
Last week, the Chair chaired a Multi-Agency meeting to discuss Anti-Social Behaviour in the town. As the discussions were confidential, all those present had to sign a confidentially agreement, therefore it cannot be discussed what took place. However there were many Town Councillors there – Councillors Baker, Cron, Edwards, Simmons (B), Wilkins. Following that meeting, one of the actions taken, is that there will be representation from Keynsham on the B&NES wide ASB Committee and Councillor Baker was nominated to that role. Updates will be provided.
The reception and festivities at Midsomer Norton Carnival. The Chair passes back best wishes from the town of Midsomer Norton.
Today the Chair did an interview on Keynsham Radio regarding the Winter Festival, which will be broadcast this Thursday.
A Councillor has been requested to judge the shop window displays at the Winter Festival – Councillor Z Wilkins volunteered to do this.
Ric Davison needs help in the evening to assist with the performances – a volunteer was requested. There were no offers.
188. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE BY MEMBERS
The following question was received from Councillor D Biddleston:
1. What forums should Councillors report back from in the reporting section of the agenda and, when items that impact significantly on the community in which we serve, is the receiving of minutes adequate to give Councillors a proper understanding of important issues at those meetings?
The situation regarding the Leisure Centre was first raised at a KDAG meeting; there are representatives from the Town Council on KDAG. Unfortunately due to illness and absence the minutes of KDAG were not published for a couple of months.
It was asked if minutes are adequate to report such issues. As there were Town Councillors present at that particular meeting, therefore would it not be sensible going forward that such items are brought to the attention of the Town Council by those present? It was agreed as KDAG is such an important forum that an update/report should be given at a Town Council meeting following a KDAG meeting.
‘Your Care Your Way’ is hugely significant in the way that Health Care is to be provided to residents in Keynsham. This should have been brought to the Town Council, other Councillors were at forums where this was discussed but it was not brought to the attention of the Town Council. What should Councillors be reporting back on?
‘Your Care Your Way’ was presented at a Keynsham Forum meeting. This forum has recently changed its name, rebranded and re-energised making it an important debating and information gathering forum. It is recommended that all Councillors attend. An email has been sent today inviting all Councillors to attend the next Keynsham Forum.
It has already been arranged that Barry Grimes from the CCG will attend the December Town Council meeting.
It was suggested that the Chair and Town Clerk look at the outside bodies and identify how frequently feedback is given and what information is not being given.
2. Can the Chair provide us with an update on further consultation on the subject of the Leisure Centre and clarify comments made by herself and Charles Gerrish about the contract with GLL? Specifically about when the contract was signed and agreed by the previous administration.
In terms of the contract, the specification was drawn up 9 months before the end of May. The tender process was targeted against that specification and when it was decided to go with GLL it was sealed. What is important is the contract itself, that is the Leisure Centre B&NES Council are going to provide, it was done on the basis of a basic plan that it was going to be put on Ashton Way which has now been ruled out. The finance to approve it went through as a matter of course.
Some of the information provided in response to the question was disputed. Many concerns were expressed and views given. It was suggested that the conversation was left as Councillor Veal was going to speak about this later in the agenda.
189. MINUTES OF MEETINGS
RESOLVED:
That the minutes of the meeting of the Keynsham Winter Festival – 13th October, Planning Development Committee – 5th October and the Personnel Committee -2nd November are received.
190. YOUTH COUNCIL
Andy Wait spoke on behalf of the Youth Council and Dani Phillips, a long standing member of the Youth Council and also a member of Butterflies was present. At a recent meeting there had been a very good presentation from Butterflies. Subsequently, as a result of that meeting, a group from the Youth Council will be attending a Butterflies meeting next week. It has been resolved that there would be a charity event and that Butterflies would be the charity so it has been arranged that on the night of the Winter Festival, at TimeOut, face painting of Butterflies will take place to raise money for them.
191. GUEST SPEAKER – VISIT SOMERSET
A presentation was given by John Turner, Charted Marketer, Chief Executive Officer,
Somerset Tourism Association.
RESOLVED:
That the decision as to whether to join the organisation or not will be put on the December Town Council agenda.
192. NEW LEISURE CENTRE - KEYNSHAM
Councilor M Veale, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Sue Green, Group Manager – Public Protection and Health Improvement (B&NES Council) spoke about the new leisure centre for Keynsham. (notes attached).
RESOLVED:
That the Town Council takes an active role in being fully involved with the consultation, which will need to be defined with GLL, and that the Town Council will support what the residents want.
193. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS NEW LEISURE CENTRE FOR KEYNSHAM
RESOLVED:
That the information is received and noted.
194. NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN
RESOLVED:
That a Neighbourhood Plan is undertaken and a date be arranged for a special meeting to consider the way forward.
195. NEW QUALITY TOWN COUNCIL SCHEME - LOCAL COUNCIL AWARDS
RESOLVED:
That this is put back on the agenda for consideration in 6 months time.
196. FEEDBACK ON NEW CLOCK TOWER PROJECT
The Chair and another B&NES Councillor has had a meeting with a senior officer in B&NES and expressed their views. Subsequently to that there has been another meeting and an internal review into the whole process is to be held. There has, as yet, not been a wash up meeting of the Arts Advisory Group.
197. SKATEBOARD LIGHTING
RESOLVED:
That the Town Council are to pursue having their own electricity supply into Keynsham Memorial Park.
198. POP-UP ARTS WORKSHOP
Members were advised that this is proceeding well; there are 11 artists that have committed and there is a Facebook page to promote this project. B&NES Council have waived the costs, other than the cost of the rates, therefore funding will not be a concern and there will be no requirement, as previously mentioned, to draw on Councillor Initiatives funds. There will be some artists creating art in the space whilst it is opening.
199. ALCA/NALC MEMBERSHIP
RESOLVED:
That the Town Council does not join ALCA/NALC
Councillor K Simmons left the meeting at 21:41
200. KEYNSHAM IN BLOOM BUDGET - 2016/2017 (attached)
It was mentioned that there was was no information regarding the current financial position as it would be useful to see this before agreeing on the grant for the forthcoming financial year. This information is to be requested.
RESOLVED:
That the Town Clerk will put £3,000 into the draft budget but that the amount to be awarded is subject to being adjusted and will be decided upon at the December Town Council meeting when the draft budget is produced.
201. KEYNSHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL BUDGET - 2016/2017
RESOLVED:
That the level of grant to the Music Festival of £17,500 is retained for the financial year 2016/17.
202. REQUEST FOR FUNDING 2016/17 - KEYNSHAM FARMERS' MARKET
RESOLVED:
(i) That £450.00, as requested, is put into the draft budget 2016/17.
(ii) That from 2017/18 the Farmers Market is advised that they should apply for funding through the normal Town Councils grant procedure.
203. BANDSTAND BUDGET - 2016/2017
RESOLVED:
That the Bandstand budget is increased by £200.00 and that £5,000 is put into the draft budget 2016/17.
204. YOUTH SERVICE BUDGET - 2016/2017
RESOLVED:
That the Youth Service budget is decreased by £100.00 and that £3,400 is put into the draft budget 2016/17.
205. WEEKEND LITTER PICKER
RESOLVED:
That this item be put back on the agenda for the December Town Council meeting.
206. SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURE – MONTH 7 (October 2015)
RESOLVED:
That the attached Schedule of Expenditure is approved.
207. BANK RECONCILIATION – MONTH 7 (October 2015)
RESOLVED:
That the attached Bank Reconciliation is received and noted.
208. PETTY CASH EXPENDITURE – MONTH 7 (October 2015)
RESOLVED:
That the attached Petty Cash Expenditure sheet is approved.
209. JOURNALS
There were none.
210. BUDGET MONITORING REPORT – MONTH 7 (October 2015)
RESOLVED:
That the attached Budget Monitoring Report is received and noted.
211. YOUTH FINANCES (October 2015)
RESOLVED:
That the attached Youth Expenditure sheet for October be received and noted.
212. TIMEOUT ATTENDANCE COMPARISON OCTOBER 2014/OCTOBER 2015
RESOLVED:
That the monthly comparison sheet be received and noted.
213. STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR PROPOSING TO INSTALL SPEED TABLES - St. Ladoc Road (attached).
RESOLVED:
There were no comments.
214. MEMBERSHIP OF KEYNSHAM WINTER FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
RESOLVED:
That the information was noted.
It was reported that Councillor Baker be appointed to Planning and Development Committee in replacement of the Councillor Nelson who has recently resigned.
RESOLVED:
That Councillor Baker is appointed to the Planning and Development Committee.
215. REPORT FROM B&NES COUNCILLOR(S)
RESOLVED:
There were no reports given
216. REPORT FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES
Keynsham Twinning – Councillor Duckett reported that she had written to the Mayor of Libourne expressing condolences from Keynsham Twinning.
RESOLVED:
That a letter from the Chair is sent to the Mayor of Libourne expressing condolences relating to the recent events in Paris.
217. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED:
That the scheduled date and time of the next Town Council meeting is a of the Town Council is Tuesday 15th December commencing at 7.30 p.m. in the Community Space, Market Walk, Keynsham.
218. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
RESOLVED:
That pursuant to the provision of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, the press and public was excluded from the meeting to progress staffing issues. Information about an individual member of staff(s) is confidential between the Council and the staff(s) member. Under the Data Protection Act 1998, a Council also has obligations as to how it uses such information about an individual(s).
219. ASSISTANT YOUTH WORKER HOURS
RESOLVED:
That the employee is paid for the extra 10 hours worked.
The meeting finished at 10.10 pm.
SIGNED:...... (Chairman) Dated: ......