Town Council Meeting 5th September 2005
Town Council
5th September 2005
Present: Councillors C Carey (Deputy Town Mayor)
E Ball
EA Gilchrist
Mrs S Gilchrist
J Goodchild
J Kinchella
G Larkins
Mrs M Larkins
Clare Evans (Town Clerk)
4938 APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Cllrs Mrs N Graham, DJ Jones, Mrs S Lagnado, C Mobbs and Mrs D Taylor and from Mr Stuart Oliver (Deputy Town Clerk).
4939 QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.
4940 SPECIFIC DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.
4941 MINUTES
Minute 4924- Houghton Regis Cash Office
SBDC were due to make a decision on the future of the cash offices later this week.
Resolved: To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 25th July 2005 and for these to be signed by the Chairman.
4942 TOWN MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
It was formally advised that the Town Mayor for 2005 / 2006, Cllr Mrs Sharon Lagnado, had set out in her year of office to seek to raise funds to put back into the community of Houghton Regis, concentrating on young people and senior citizens. A number of projects would be developed by the Mayor which would aim to:
1. Recognise the achievements of young people in the areas of sport, education, community involvement and spirit;
2. Establish a bursary scheme for individuals to encourage, develop and enhance their talents;
3. Develop a Living History project to capture the memories of the Town’s senior citizens.
The majority of funds raised through the Mayor’s Appeal Fund would be directed back into Houghton Regis for the growth and wellbeing of the community and a proportion would be given to the Tsunami Appeal.
4943 PLANNING AND LICENSING COMMITTEE
Resolved:To receive the Minutes of the Planning & Licensing Committee meetings held on 13th June, 4th July and 28th July 2005.
4944 ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Minute 4830 – Grass Area Outside Scout Hut
It was advised that this work would be undertaken over the winter months when the weather permitted.
Resolved: To receive the Minutes of the Environment Committee meeting held on 6th June 2005.
4945 POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Minute 4866 – Summer Play Scheme
This had been moved to the Leisure Centre due to the vandalism of the Green pavilion at an additional cost.
Minute 4869 – Christmas Lights
It was requested that they be extended down Houghton Road and that a ‘Waving Santa’ be placed at the entrances to the town.
Minute 4870 – First Aid Honorarium
It was advised that the Deputy Town Clerk had resigned from the position of First Aider. Other staff would be considered for training.
Minute 4871 – Town Guide
The draft wording would be sent to the publisher by mid September and the first proof was due mid October.
Resolved: To receive the Minutes of the Policy & Resources Committee meeting held on 6th June 2005.
4946 REPORT FROM THE POLICE
The following points were discussed:
· Excessive use of motorbikes over the bank holiday period: the police advised that they had been targeting the Woodside area and would be again increasing their visits to Houghton Regis;
· The offence of driving on the pavement near Johnson Court was reported. The police were dealing with this matter;
· It was reported that people with ASBO’s were still offending. It was advised that action was being taken.
Resolved: To note the report.
4947 REPORT FROM BURTONGUARD
Members considered the report provided by BurtonGuard. It was advised that there were considerable problems in the picnic area of Houghton Hall Park and it was suggested that the bench be removed or re-located and that the gravel surface of the cycle track be replaced by tarmac.
Resolved: To note the report.
4948 REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS & ON TRAINING SESSIONS ATTENDED
None.
4949 BANKING ARRANGEMENTS
9.1 Members were advised that it was necessary to update the Council’s signatories on the Lombard accounts (Prime Response 120 and Prime Response 180). These accounts were the investment accounts for the Council. Funds could only be transferred from this account to other accounts in the name of Houghton Regis Town Council. No direct payments could be made from this account or funds transferred to third parties. Accordingly it was suggested that the Town Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk become the authorised signatories for the Lombard Accounts.
In order for this to occur a number of points had to be specifically agreed. Members considered a completed copy of the Party Mandate. Members were requested to approve points 1 – 5 on this Mandate.
A report of movements to and from these accounts would be made to the Accounts Sub Committee.
Resolved: To agree the completed Mandate which authorises the Town Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk to become the authorised signatories on the Lombard Accounts.
4950 SENIOR CITIZENS CHRISTMAS CARDS
Since at least 1993 a Christmas card and small monetary donation had been given to senior citizens of Houghton Regis. Members considered alternatives ways of making this gift.
Resolved: To continue to send senior citizens a Christmas card and to include within the card a £2 gift voucher for a local supermarket.
4951 LATE ITEM
Members were requested to receive a late item on:
· Football provision.
Resolved: To accept the Late Item on Football provision.
4952 FOOTBALL PROVISION
Due to high demand for football pitches this season an agreement had been reached with SBDC for the Town Council to used the land at Windsor Drive for football. Accordingly there had been some re-arrangement of pitches to accommodate all teams to utilise this new area of land.
A team who had previously played on Moore Crescent but had been reallocated to Windsor Drive had approached the office to enquire as to whether they could use The Green for football instead. Members considered this request.
Resolved: Not to use The Green for football.
The Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.20pm
Dated this day of 2005
Chairman
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