Agenda and minutes

Reverend Tim Parkman led prayers.

The Chairman informed those present of the actions required in the event of a fire or emergency.

a.  To receive any declarations from Members of any registerable (5A of the Code of Conduct) and/or non-registerable (5B) interests in matters to be considered at this meeting.

b.  Acting Town Clerk to receive written requests for dispensations prior to the start of the meeting for consideration.

a.  To receive any declarations from Members of any registerable (5A of the Code of Conduct) and/or non-registerable (5B) interests in matters to be considered at this meeting.

None.

b.  Acting Town Clerk to receive written requests for dispensations prior to the start of the meeting for consideration.

None.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Cornwall Councillor’s Portfolio Holder for Transport Councillor P Desmonde presented to Members his manifesto which outlines a proposal for interested rural villages and towns to adopt a 20mph zoning on designated streets to allow pedestrians, cyclists and public transport priority on the street scene.

Councillor Desmonde spoke of the living street concept which aims to recognise the street as a place of activity whilst encouraging a better quality of life by reducing congestion, lowering speeds and promoting safer driving.

The living street proposal is anticipated to improve quality of life by reducing carbon emissions and noise, whilst promoting healthier living and reconnecting the community by providing a street scene where people can come together in a safe environment, not just a functional environment.

Councillor Desmonde desire is to create street scenes that bring vitality back to communities with an urban design to include trees that assist in soaking up the carbon emissions.

Councillor Desmonde extended the offer to the Town Council to pursue Fore Street and adjacent streets as Living Streets by writing to him to further progress the idea into fruition.

Extension of Station Platform

Councillor Martin asked if consideration would be given to extend the station platform to allow a higher volume of users access to alternative transport. Councillor Desmonde agreed he would support this initiative but due to the land being ringfenced by a boundary owned by Network Rail and Great Western Rail believed this idea would be difficult to action.

Water Taxi

Councillor Martin asked if there would be any guarantee the Water Taxi resources for Saltash would be further pursued. Councillor Desmonde responded that he could not guarantee it would be actioned but assured Members of his enthusiasm for all alternative modes of transport to be explored such as rail, water and road.

Bike Hire Scheme

Councillor Desmonde spoke of recent conversations with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to further implement the idea for bicycle or scooter hire within Saltash, with the view to creating links for better connectivity between all forms of transport.

Members asked what a living street looks like. Councillor Desmonde spoke of other areas such as Truro and Bodmin who have proceeded with the proposal and the positive responses received.

The Chairman thanked Councillor Desmonde on behalf of all Members for the presentation provided.

The Chairman announced the next item of business to be agenda item 24 - To receive and note the minutes of the Devolution Sub Committee held on 29th September 2021 and consider any recommendations.  

RECOMMENDATION 1:

21/21/22         SALTASH LEISURE CENTRE

It was proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on Thursday 7th October 2021:

1.  To hold an Extraordinary Full Town Council meeting to include attendees from GLL, Cornwall Councillors and Cornwall Council Officer Julie Zessimedes with any questions forwarded in advance to the Acting Town Clerk with sufficient data and figures to be requested from Cornwall Council for Members to further consider viable options.

2.  To issue a public statement on Saltash Town Council’s current position and opposition of the closure of Saltash Leisure Centre including expressions of concern over the public consultation.

3.  The Acting Town Clerk to register all Members to attend the virtual information public event to be held on 13th October 2021 at 7pm.

Councillor Bickford requested a recorded vote be taken.

It was proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Bullock and following a recorded vote RESOLVED to note and approve the above recommendations.

RECOMMENDATION 2:

23/21/22         TO IDENTIFY AND PRIORITISE DEVOLUTION ASSETS AND LAND PROGRAMME

Waterside and Pontoon

It was proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Bickford and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on Thursday 7th October 2021 to:

1.  Form a Saltash Waterside Partnership with Cornwall Council and other organisations such as Cornwall Council Maritime Team and Saltash Coastal Communities Team.

2.  Form monthly meetings to progress the Partnership.

3.  Further progress a management agreement with Cornwall Council for a period of five-years.

4.  Work up a set of Terms of Reference.

It was proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Bickford and RESOLVED to note and approve the above recommendations.

RECOMMENDATION 3:

23/21/22         TO IDENTIFY AND PRIORITISE DEVOLUTION ASSETS AND LAND PROGRAMME

Victoria Gardens

It was proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Bickford and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Town Council on Thursday 7th October 2021 to further progress a five-year lease agreement with Cornwall Council’s Community Link Officer for Maurice Huggins Room and Victoria Gardens.

It was proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED to note and approve the above recommendation.

The Chairman announced the next item of business to be agenda item 25 – Saltash Leisure Centre.

The Chairman addressed members of the public, to explain the difference between Cornwall Council and Saltash Town Council and to clarify that the closure of Saltash Leisure Centre is not a Saltash Town Council proposal.

The Chairman advised Members of public questions which had been received and invited those who submitted their questions prior to the meeting to come forward to further discuss their concerns.

Questions/statements raised as follows:

1.    Can Cornwall Council provide income and expenditure of the Leisure Centre prior to the pandemic and current?

2.    With one of the Government’s targets to have all children able to swim 25 meters, unaided, by the time they leave primary school, and the recently announced incentive for any child unable to achieve the 25-metre unaided swim by the time they leave year 6, they and their family will be offered free swimming lessons. What would the benefits of closing the leisure centre?

3.    Have Cornwall Council considered the increased burden of cost for schools and the increased time away from the classroom to achieve swimming as part of the curriculum?

4.    Childhood obesity is another area of concern, especially in areas of deprivation, of which Cornwall is one. What message are we sending our children if we close a centre designed to promote health and fitness?

5.    Increased traffic is at odds with Cornwall Council’s own commitment to reducing climate change through, for example, achieving carbon neutrality. This extends further than just the schools using the pool:  there are 16,000 residents in Saltash (compared to just 9,000 in Liskeard) Let’s say, for the sake of it, 50% of these (8,000) have to drive a 26-mile round trip for a swim. Would this not be an unnecessary increase in pollution?

6.    Why is the Government not supporting the health and wellbeing of the Cornish people, especially due to the pandemic and the financial impact it has had on the leisure centre?

7.    Can clarification be given as to why Cornwall Council have stated that there is no additional funding available when other leisure centres in other parts of the country, such as the Northwest, are evidently being awarded funding from the Government?

8.    Cornwall Council claim to promote public health and wellbeing through physical activity with a dedicated website called Healthy Cornwall which makes reference to swimming being recommended for wellbeing, both mentally and physically. How then can Cornwall Council justify the proposal to close the leisure centre?

9.    In 2019 Cornwall Council declared a Climate Emergency but now seem to be suggesting that resident travel up to 30 miles or 30 minutes to reach leisure activities. How can this be justified and to what effect on the carbon footprint?

10. Many People are saying that the leisure centre consultation is skewed in the wording of questions, to allow for interpretation that residents and users can and would wish to travel further to alternative facilities.

11. Many have expressed a concern that closing the leisure centre is the first steps  ...  view the full minutes text for item 211/21/22

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Councillor Lennox-Boyd informed Members that she had enquired with the Chairman of Safer Saltash for a report but had not received a response prior to this evening’s meeting. Councillor Lennox-Boyd added that since the recent election as a Saltash Town Councillor she was happy to re-establish her role as STC’s liaison for future Safer Saltash reports.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Members welcomed Margaret Butfield Campus Manager of The Fountain Head House School.

Margaret briefed Members on recent events at the school within the last 3-4 weeks and informed Members of a recent licence application submitted which would enable the school to accommodate up to 50 learners with 36 learners anticipated to be enrolled by the end of November.

Margaret added that the school is looking likely to grow considerably over time and extended an invitation to any Councillor who wished to visit as they would be most welcome.

It was RESOLVED to note.

None.

Please note:  Any member of the public requiring to put a question to the Council must do so 24 hours prior to the meeting by writing or email.

The Chairman informed Members of a question received in relation to agenda item 22 – To receive and consider a report from Sustrans in relation to constructing a safe walk/cycle way between Hatt and Carkeel and to include a reference to the project in the Saltash Neighbourhood Development Plan.

The Chairman informed Members that the question would be received under agenda item 22.

Please see a copy of the minutes on the STC website or request to see a copy at the Guildhall.

It was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Full Town Council Meeting held on Thursday 2^nd September 2021 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

a.  To advise the following receipts in:

i.              August 2021

It was RESOLVED to note.

b.  To advise the following payments in:

ii.            August 2021

It was RESOLVED to note.

c.   Urgent and essential works actioned by the Acting Town Clerk under Financial Regulations. 

None.

d.  To note that bank reconciliations up to 31st August 2021 were reviewed as correct by the Chairman of Policy & Finance Committee and the Acting Town Clerk.

It was RESOLVED to note.

e.  To note that an audit on recent supplier payments was conducted by the Chairman of Policy & Finance in line with the Councils Financial Regulations. It was noted that there are no discrepancies to report. 

It was RESOLVED to note.

The Acting Town Clerk informed Members of the AGAR inaccuracy relating to the credit card total amount of £651.48 which was input into the bank reconciliation total instead of the liability section with the amendment to be applied in following years.

It was RESOLVED to receive and note the Annual Governance and Accountability Return for the year ended 31^st March 2021.

a.  To consider a request for the Mayor to write a letter of support to assist with funding applications - Livewire. 

It was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Taylor and RESOLVED to approve the Mayor sending a letter of support to Livewire on behalf of the Town Council.

b.  To receive a letter of thanks - Drawn to the Valley. 

It was RESOLVED to note and to respond thanking Drawn to the Valley for their comments.

c.   To receive and consider supporting the Climate & Ecological Emergency Bill - CEE Bill Alliance.

It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths, seconded by Councillor Martin, that the Town Council support the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill as requested from the CEE Bill Alliance.

The proposal did not carry.

d.  To receive and consider responding to the Housing Strategy Survey for Cornwall - Cornwall Council.

It was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Taylor and RESOLVED to note and to give delegated authority to Councillor Yates in liaison with the Office to respond on behalf of the Town Council with any Member wishing to provide feedback to be included in the response to do so by Sunday 31^st October 2021.

e.  To receive the National Highways consultation on future road investment - Cornwall Council.

It was RESOLVED to note.

f.    To receive a statement in relation to 20's Plenty - Cornwall Council.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Members received the following public question:

1.  Will Saltash Council support in principle the creation of a safe walk / cycleway between Carkeel and Hatt?

2.  If the answer to the above is positive, would the Council consider making reference to such a facility in their NDP?

Councillor Yates confirmed that due to the Neighbourhood Development Plan having already been submitted to Cornwall Council for review it is not possible to make an amendment at this time to make reference to such a facility.

Councillor B Samuels informed Members that areas of the Sustrans proposed cycle and walk way were incorrect in relation to the Treledan development site.

It was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor Yates, that the item be deferred to allow time for further information to be collected and collated from both the Treledan principle developers and Sustrans.

The proposal did not carry.

It was proposed by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED to support in principle the creation of a safe walk / cycleway between Carkeel and Hatt and further to include Saltash.

a.  Policy and Finance held on 7th September 2021.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Yates and RESOLVED to defer the Policy and Finance Committee minutes and recommendations to Full Town Council to be held on Thursday 4^th November 2021.

b.  Services held on 15th September 2021.

RECOMMENDATION 1:

37/21/22    TO FURTHER CONSIDER THE FINANCIAL IMPACT AND ALTERNATIVE FUNDING SOURCES AVAILABLE FOR CCTV IN SALTASH

It was proposed by Councillor Gillies, seconded by Councillor Bickford and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Town Council:

1.    An amendment to the proposal to include an additional camera to be situated within Alexandra Car Park

2.    To approve submission of an application to the S106 Panel for the shortfall of money relating to any cameras within the Town Centre.

3.    Further grant applications to alternative funding sources be made to assist with the shortfall.

4.    Subsequent to any applications and monies awarded any further shortfall to be taken from the General Reserves to proceed with the proposal as soon as possible.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED to approve the above recommendations numbered 1 to 3 ONLY and to await outcomes of any grant funding being sought prior to approving number 4.

c.   Planning and Licensing held on 21st September 2021.

It was RESOLVED to note. There were no recommendations.

d.  Personnel held on Tuesday 28th September 2021.

RECOMMENDATION 1:

76/21/22    TO RECEIVE, CONSIDER AND RECOMMEND AMENDMENTS TO THE COMMITTEES TERMS OF REFERENCE TO THE NEXT POLICY AND FINANCE MEETING

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Taylor and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council the amendments to the Personnel Committee Terms of Reference.

It was proposed by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor B Samuels and RESOLVED to approve the above recommendation.

RECOMMENDATION 2:

80/21/22    BUDGET STATEMENTS:

It was proposed by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor B Samuels and resolved to RECOMMEND to the next Full Council Meeting:

3.    A salary uplift to the post Service Delivery Manager from scale 18-23 to 24-28, commencing on point 25 from 1st October 2021 to reflect the duties and responsibilities of the post.

It was proposed by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor B Samuels and RESOLVED to note and approve the above recommendation.

e.  Extraordinary Planning and Licensing held on 5th October 2021. 

It was RESOLVED to note. There were no recommendations.

Composition:                         Eight Memebrs

Appointed Members:            Cllrs Bullock, L Challen, Gillies, Miller, Peggs &

P Samuels.

Vacancies:                             Two

Councillor Taylor requested a recorded vote be taken.

It was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Dent and following a recorded vote RESOLVED:

1.  To discontinue the Town Council Christmas Lights and Town Events Sub Committee with immediate effect.

2.  Future Christmas Lights to be received and considered by the Services Committee.

3.  Future Town Events to be received and considered by Full Town Council and a Working Party formed as and when required.

The Acting Town Clerk informed Members that the meeting is about to exceed 2 ½ hours breaching Standing Orders.

It was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Taylor and RESOLVED to suspend Standing Order Section Two, item 2x and to continue with the remaining items of business to be discussed on the agenda.

(Composition of 4 currently 3 Members appointed – Cllrs Dent, B Samuels & Yates)

It was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Lennox-Boyd and RESOLVED to appoint Councillor Lennox-Boyd to the Joint Burial Board Committee.  Next meeting to be held on 12^th October 2021.

a.  Arrangements for future meetings.

a.  Arrangements for future meetings.

The next scheduled meeting date Saturday 9^th October 2021, 10am to 12 noon, outside Bloom Hearing, Fore Street with Councillors Gillies, Griffiths, Taylor and Yates to attend.

An additional Meet Your Councillors to be held on Saturday 16^th October 2021, 10am to 12 noon, at Warfelton Field with Councillors Bullock, Lennox-Boyd, Martin and Peggs to attend to engage with members of the public relating to the closure of Saltash Leisure Centre.

To resolve that pursuant to Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to meetings) Act 1960 the public and press leave the meeting because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

To resolve that pursuant to Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the public and press leave the meeting because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

None.

To resolve that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting. 

To resolve that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting.

None.

It was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Taylor and RESOLVED to issue the following Press and Social Media releases:

1.  Saltash Town Council opposition to the closure of Saltash Leisure Centre.

2.  Meet Your Councillor to be held on Saturday 9^th October and 16^th October 2021.

3.  Town Council to issue letters of support for funding applications for local organisations.

Thursday 4^th November 2021at 7.00pm.

To Order that the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to all Deeds and    

Documents necessary to give effect to the foregoing Acts and Proceedings.

It was RESOLVED that the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to all Deeds and Documents necessary to give effect to the foregoing Acts and Proceedings.