Sheringham Town Council
12th June 2012
SHERINGHAM TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, TOWN HALL, SHERINGHAM ON TUESDAY 12TH JUNE, 2012, AT 8.00PM.
PRESENT:The Town Mayor – Cllr D Smith
The Deputy Town Mayor – Cllr D Gooch
Cllrs Booth, Burns, Talbot, Cox, Frazier, Stevens, Hill, McGinn, Birtwell and Bush.
The Town Clerk / Administrative Support Worker
District Cllrs Oliver and Smith
The Press
Two Members of the Public
The Revd Colin Sherwood lead the Council in prayer prior to the opening of the meeting.
8228.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER APOLOGIES:Cllrs Fields, Ashcroft, Brooks and Hewitt. Dist Cllr Shepherd and PC Ian Smith.
8229.DEDCLARATIONS OF INTEREST RELATING TO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA: Cllr Burns declared an interest in Item 12 – he is STC’s Representative on the Upcher Community Partnership and Experience Sheringham.
8230.TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 1ST MAY, 2012: The Minutes having been previously circulated; Cllr Cox PROPOSED acceptance of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 1st May, 2012, Cllr McGinn seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
8231.ITEMS REQUIRING A RESOLUTION UNDER THE PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSION TO MEETINGS ACT 196) TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND PUBLIC UNDER SECTION 1C OF STANDING ORDERS: Cllr Birtwell PROPOSED taking Item 10b under Standing Order 1C, this item involves a member of Staff, Cllr Booth seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
8232.TOWN MAYORS ANNOUNCEMENTS:The Mayor announced attending the following engagements:
▪4th April - Victorian Nights Launch at the HenryBloggMuseum
▪11th April - meeting with the Sheringham Scouts to plan the Jubilee Beacon Event
▪13th April - Judging of the Carnival Queen at the Tyneside Social Club
▪22nd April - Waiving off the Cars at St. Georges Day Classic Car Rally at Station Car Park
▪23rd April – Hosting the St. George’s Day Concert in St. Peter’s Church
▪5th May – the Country Club Camp at the Norfolk Showground
▪14th May – the Angel Pack hand over ceremony at North Norfolk Railway
▪15th May -Wine Tasting Evening with the Muzillac Twinning Association
▪18th May - Sheringham Little Theatre Victorian Nights Evening
▪19th May - Victorian Nights Guided Walk and Demonstrations
▪20th May - the Crab and Lobster Festival Walk Around
Reading a Lesson at the Crab and LobsterChurch Service in St. Andrews
▪22nd May - The Mayors Walk in Wisbech
▪26th May – the Cromer and Sheringham Amateur Operatic Society
▪1st June – greeting the Deputy Mayor of Muzillac at Sheringham Station
Opening the Primary School Summer Fayre
▪3rd June – giving The Mayors speech at the Jubilee Church Service
▪4th June – unveiling the Sheringham In Bloom Living Sculptures outside the Old Post Office
Hosting the Civic Lunch at St. Peter’s Church Hall
Officiated at Lighting the Jubilee Beacon on Beeston Hill
▪8th June – the Chairman of County Councils Summer Reception at GressenhallMuseum
8233.MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES:There were none.
8234.POLICE REPORT:PC Ian Smith has given his apologies for this evening. The Mayor congratulated the Police on their excellent help over the weekend of the Queens Diamond Jubilee.
8235.ANY COUNTY / DISTRICT COUNCILLORS WISHING TO MAKE A REPORT: Dist Cllr R Oliver reported the Sheringham Little Theatre are progressing with plans for both interior and exterior works and improvements with funding from NNDC and themselves. These have been very positive developments and he is working with Brenda Seymour, Russell Tanner and Cllr Lee to ensure their completion. Further good news is that subject to board approval and a sponsorship agreement a digital cinema will be installed during September, where sterling work by the SLT Board and the Council have seen a cost in the region of £67,000.00 reduced to £13,000.00, through an agreement with the digital funding partnership.
SheringhamTown Competition – He is pleased to report that Sheringham won the Norfolk Village Games Competition, which he had the honour of Representing Sheringham in tennis and badminton, and we have qualified for the next round. The Sheringham Team was ably organised by Hayley Cawthorne (a Broadland District Council Liaison Officer, who did rounders on the Jubilee Sunday, and who would to provide a report on the Competition after the next round). Also if STC would like any photographs from the day she can provide them.
Sheringham Promenade and Lavatories – some time ago he was disturbed to see an article attacking NNDC over the lights and lavatories at the front. He also was understandably dismayed by the delays, but making the issue into a party political football is not seemly and he was disappointed by the district member who did so as well as Noel Gants boarding of the wagon later. He has written a letter to the North Norfolk News explaining the Council’s position and he thinks it is of manifest importance that we all keep our powder dry for local battles that we can win rather than attacking a tendering process over which we have no control over, and in his view it a perfectly sensible decision not to disrupt small businesses with works on the promenade during the tourist season. He added in the spirit of party politics that we have Conservatives and the Sheringham Enhancement Group to thank for the new lavatories and the current administration for the continued budgetary support in these austere times.
Sheringham Skate Park – Lastly turning to battles we can win locally, both himself and Dist Cllr Shepherd attended the cabinet meeting where Sheringham Skate Park had its recommended bid funding reduced from £30,000 to £10,000, through an unfortunate error by the cabinet who gave an equal amount to the by no means equal bid by Cromer Skate Park. Having vigorously challenged the decision during the meeting, he is pleased to say that both himself and Dist Cllr Shepherd arranged and had separate meetings with the new leader Keith Johnson as well as talking with Trevor Ivory who Chairs the Big Society Fund Board. He has spoken at length and on several occasions with Rob Sayles, who is driving the bid and has been made aware of the complicated and urgent situation surrounding the application. He is pleased to announce that he has secured a new application hearing to review the matter and he is hopeful that they will arrive at the only possible correct conclusion as to the size of the award. He asks humbly that the Town Council proposed and support a motion to provide a written letter of support for Rob Sayles bid receiving the full stated amount and commending his fantastic work on this project so far.
Dist Cllr Smith reported he had met with Mr Tanner at NNDC. He stated the East End Promenade works are still on track to meet the revised schedule for July and the lighting contractors tenders are progressing.
The Clerk read a report provided by Dist Cllr shepherd in his absence.
He would like to comment on the decrease of the Big Society funds for the SheringhamSkatePark from £30,000 to £10,000 discovered at the Cabinet meeting on 10th June, 2012. Reasons given were that all the Skate Parks be treated the same and given £10,000, and that the Committee has to ensure that safeguards are in place, namely a properly formed Committee with a Constitution declared. As he understands Sheringham has all that is required, plus additional funding which will match the Big Society input, unlike all the others. He looked for cross party support and a healthy input from the Town Council to try and ensure that we secure the cash promised.
8236.TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD ON 1ST AND 15TH MAY, 2012: The Minutes of the Meeting having been previously circulated, Cllr McGinn PROPOSED acceptance of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 1st and 15th May, 2012; Cllr Cox seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
8237.EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE MEETING:
(A)RECOMMENDATION TO OPT-OUT OF THE LOCALGOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS FOR ALL NEW EMPLOYEES: There was an in-depth discussion regarding Local Government Employment Contracts of which NALC provide a Model. A discussion ensued whether STC should keep the NALC Model Contract or to agree an Employment Contract tailored to STC for all new Employees, present Employee’s will retain their current contracts. Cllr Cox PROPOSED STC opts out of the Local Government Employment Contract System for all new Employees after 30th June 2012, Cllr Burns seconded. Those In Favour – 8. Those Against – 0. Abstentions – 3. IT WAS CARRIED.
(C)TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 8TH MAY, 2012: Cllr Cox asked for an amendment to those present at the meeting, to delete ‘Clerks Assistant’ and insert ‘Admin Support Worker’, with the above amendment he so PROPOSED acceptance of the Minutes of the Employment Committee Meeting held on 8th May, 2012, Cllr Stevens seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
8238.FINANCE:
(A)ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT:Cllr Booth PROPOSED Cheque No. 8475 is discussed under Standing Order 1C to clarify a query, Cllr Burns seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
Cllr McGinn, with the omission of the above payment in the sum of £546.60, so PROPOSED payment of the Accounts, having been previously circulated, in the sum of £33,402.07 inc vat; Cllr Cox seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
(B)TO REPORT ON LARKING GOWEN ACCOUNTANTS COMPLETION OF STC’S VAT [PARTIAL EXEMPTION FOR YER ENDING 31ST MARCH, 2012: The Clerk reported receiving confirmation from STC’s appointed Accounts, Larking Gowen, that they have completed the review of STC’s partial exemption status for the year ended 31st March, 2012. They have also confirmed that although STC reclaimed £3,383.00 more input VAT this year, that it remains within the exemption limited for 2011/12.
(C)TO OPEN AND CONSIDER TENDERS FOR NEW COUNCIL STORE AT CEMETERY CAR PARK, WEYBOURNE ROAD, SHERINGHAM: The Deputy Mayor and Cllr Cox declared personal interests on the grounds they may be known to Mr Philip Hall who may have been invited to provide a tender. The Clerk proceeded to open the sealed tender documents and relayed the contents to the meeting.
Scott Sheds & Fencing Ltd – SectionalTimberBuilding 12m x 4m = £6824.vat
Philip Hall Timber Products – Wooden Equipment Store 12m x 4m - £9924.00 + vat and £320.00 + vat for the cost of erection.
Cllr McGinn PROPOSED accepting the tender from Scott Sheds and Fencing Ltd to supply a SectionTimberBuilding 12m x 4m in the sum of £6824.00 + vat; Cllr Cox seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
The Mayor PROPOSED moving to Item 12 of the Agenda due to the Representative from Experience Sheringham wishing to speak to 11 (d) prior to discussing their grant request. IT WAS AGREED.
8239.RESOLUTION TO ADJOUN THE MEETING FOR UP TO 15 MINUTES FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND COUNCILLORS WITH PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS, TO SPEAK ON MATTERS RELATING TO BUSINESS BEING TRANSACTED AT THIS MEETING: The Representative from Experience Sheringham spoke during Public Participation. Cllr Cox PROPOSED reconvening the meeting; Cllr Hill seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
8240.FINANCE:
(D)REQUEST FROM EXPERIENCE SHERINGHAM FOR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS SUPPLY OF ‘BANNERS’: Members had previously been circulated with a copy of the grant request. Experience Sheringham would like to erect two banners on the lamp posts situated near to the entrance to the car park on Station Road, as a welcome to the town, examples were also circulated. The banners would be double sided and would cost in the region of £550.00. The Highways Department has indicated that they may be able to assist towards these costs and Experience Sheringham asks STC to support this project.
Cllr Cox stated he likes the welcome to Sheringham banners but not the example which advertises businesses, although he supports the attractions it is not this Council’s business to advertise them. After further discussion Cllr Cox PROPOSED granting £350.00 under S144/145 towards the supply of the two banners; Cllr McGinn seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
(E)REQUEST FOR FUNDING TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF EXPERIENCE SHERINGHAM: The letter of request was relayed to the meeting. After a brief discussion Cllr Booth PROPOSED granting £1000.00, from S144/145; Cllr Hill seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
(F)GRANT APPLICATIONS:
(i)Sheringham Little Theatre:The letter of request was relayed to the meeting. A discussion ensued after which the Deputy Mayor PROPOSED awarding a grant of £2000.00 under S144/145 to Sheringham Little Theatre; Cllr Cox seconded. IT WAS AGREED. The Clerk was asked to write to SLT and express how much STC treasures the great work they provide in the town.
(ii)Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue whom assist NorfolkConstabulary: The letter had previously been circulated to members. A discussion took place when Cllr Cox reminded the meeting STC are legally responsible to support the Community and Residents of Sheringham but not all organisations around North Norfolk. He so PROPOSED moving to the next Item on the Agenda; Cllr Burns seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
8241.TO DISCUSS THE TOWN PLAN:The Deputy Mayor gave a full report on a meeting he had attended regarding the Localism Bill at NNDC. Cllr Cox in his capacity of Chairman of the General Purposes and Development Cttee stated this issue will be place on the next GP&D Cttee Agenda in order to progress matters. Cllr Burns so PROPOSED arranging an informal meeting of the Full Council and invite those who need to attend to discuss moving forward with a Town Plan, the Deputy Mayor seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
8242.UPDATE ON SHEIRNGHAM EAST PROMENADE SCHEMES:Members had previously been circulated with a copy of the response from Mr Rob Goodliffe of NNDCrelating to the East End Promenade Schemes.
The Public Toilets: The off site prefabrication stage of the public toilet build in now nearing completion. The units are due to be delivered on site where construction will continue. He has stated that this work is still work in progress and further construction is required before the toilets will be opened.
Promenade Lighting:He explained NNDC were un-expectantly required to tender the promenade lighting scheme. In the mean time the trial lamp was developed and gaining planning consent enabled NNDC to proceed, other suppliers had begun to offer similar products. Therefore, to ensure NNDC are compliant with their own procedures and that the best value is gained a tender procedure is required. NNDC have now completed the tendering process. Disappointingly following the initial interest they received, only two tenders were submitted and of these only met the tender criteria. Following checks to ensure that NNDC were able to accept a single tender, and discussions to reduce the price submitted, the contract has now been appointed.
The initial development of the scheme was with a company called Marlec and NNDC are delighted that they will now complete the scheme. This is of benefit as the columns to be installed will be those which were publicised during the exhibition and demonstrations last year.
Twelve columns will be installed along the mains powered light now operational on the steps. As previously stated, the lighting scheme will be installed following the summer holidays to minimise disruption through the busy summer period. Initial works will include the temporary relocation of beach huts (owners will be notified closer to the time), installation of fixing volts and the removal of old lighting infrastructure. Following this the lights will be delivered, erected and commissioned. NNDC express their appreciation and continued support from STC and the financial support allocated, as without this it would not have been developed into such a beneficial scheme.
Cllr Cox commented that at least progress is being made and the scheme is moving forward and fortunately the toilets will be in place and may be in use ready for July.
8243.TO DISCUSS CONSULTATION ON APPOINTMENT OF EXTERNAL AUDITOR FOR 2012/2013 AND FUTURE YEARS: Members had previously been circulated with a copy of the consultation document. The contents of which were noted, although the Mayor highlighted the Audit fees had been reduced by £100.00.
8244.RECEIVNG PRE-SUBMISSION DOCUMENTS: INVITATION TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS RELATING TO THE MINERAL SITE SPECIFIC ALLOCATIONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN DOCUMENT AND WASTE SITE SPECIFIC ALLOCATIONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN DOCUMENT:
Members had previously been furnished with a copy of the document for information only.
8245.CLERKS REPORT:The Clerk reported on the following:
●Receiving a thank you letter from the Cromer and Sheringham Arts Festival for the recent grant award from STC.
●Receiving a thank you letter from the Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival for the recent grant award from STC.
Cllr Cox PROPOSED going into Standing Order 1C, to discuss Items 10(b) and 11(a), to exclude the Press and Public due to the sensitive nature of the business to be transacted; Cllr McGinn seconded. IT WAS AGREED. Cllrs Bush and Burns left the meeting.
8246.FINANCE:(A)ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT:Cllr Booth explained hehad a query on the Accounts for Payment. During discussion the Clerk gave clarification on cheque No. 8475 in the sum of £546.00, which related to urgent repair works carried out during the Town Hall Re- Decorations. Cllr McGinn so PROPOSED authorising the account for payment, bring the total Accounts for Payment to the total of £33,948.67; Cllr Cox seconded. IT WAS AGREED.