Agenda and minutes

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

Due to the absence of the Mayor it was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Challen and RESOLVED to appoint Councillor Challen as the Vice Chairman for this meeting only.

In the absence of Reverend Tim Parkman Councillor Yates led prayers.

The Town Council send their best wishes and a speedy recovery to Reverend Tim Parkman and his family.

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.

The Chairman welcomed representatives from Stagecoach and Plymouth Citybus and thanked them for the public services provided throughout the pandemic.

Stagecoach

Michael Watson – Managing Director of Stagecoach apologised for the impact experienced by residents and users of Stagecoach.

M Watson briefed Members on the issues the public transport sector had experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. These included staff shortages, absences and short notice of Government restrictions requiring to be implemented immediately.

M Watson went on to speak of the continuing challenges faced by the service provider post pandemic and the difficulties trying to maintain an acceptable level of service to residents throughout the pandemic.

M Watson offered explanations for Members further understanding of the challenges faced. One example would be that it takes only a day to lose an experienced driver and a minimum of 15 weeks to replace with a trained and qualified driver.

M Watson offered reassurance to Members and Residents that the situation is taking a turn for the better with an 18% wage increase implemented to assist with recruitment and retainment of staff. Residents should now see an increase in the frequency of the services provided by Stagecoach with the plan to reinstate services such as the Falcon, all being well, by January 2022.

Plymouth Citybus

Richard Stevens – Managing Director spoke of their appreciation to Members for the invitation and opportunity to speak in person at Full Council.

R Stevens said he did not have much more to add to the explanation given by Stagecoach. R Stevens stated that although Plymouth Citybus had not experienced staffing issues to the extent of Stagecoach, there had been other issues the service provider had faced during the pandemic and post pandemic period.

These included delays due to the Tamar Bridge resurfacing as well as the increase of traffic due to those returning to work. With varying dictates from central Government with short notice to implement, the services provided took an impact nobody was able to predict.

R Stevens added that external services, such as training and test centers for newly recruited drivers, have also been affected by the pandemic. This has contributed to delays in obtaining provisional licenses therefore having a knock-on effect not only on available drivers but also the morale of employees during an already difficult period.

R Stevens spoke of the Transport for Cornwall partnership between service providers and Cornwall Council with the aim to provide better services for the whole of Cornwall. With a service level promise that Plymouth Citybus and Cornwall Council can continue to progress further following the lifting of restrictions.

R Stevens added that further challenges are to be expected in the coming months following the COP26 meeting. This includes lowering carbon emissions whilst maintaining a service level at an affordable rate and continuing to offer better connectivity for health, wealth and education services.

The Chairman thanked the representatives for their time to further explain the current situation for both service providers.

Members of the public who had submitted questions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 244/21/22

Members were pleased to have received up to date figures as well as seeing a significant decrease in crime rates in Saltash.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note.

No report had been received due to the following CNP meeting scheduled for 8^th December 2021.

Cornwall Councillor Frank offered a brief verbal update to Members.

Cornwall Councillor Frank informed Members of focus groups created to focus on specific areas that have been identified by the CNP.

Key dates for focus panel meetings are:

Health and Care - 11^th November 2021 at 6pm

The focus group are meeting to discuss Health and Care in the local area. With the view to look at further progressing integrated care systems within the wider community.

Climate Change - 3^rd December at 1pm

An invite has been sent to Members if they wished to attend, they would be more than welcome.

Cornwall Councillor Frank updated Members on the procurement of speed activation signs which are currently being distributed and installed at requested locations with Latchbrook’s sign to be installed soon.

No Actions.

No Report.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note.

The Chairman raised concerns that the report received was not a report but a press release received from the leader of Cornwall Council Cllr Linda Taylor.

Cornwall Councillor Worth offered a verbal report to Members to provide up to date information from meetings held to date.

Tamar Bridge

Resurfacing works have now been completed two weeks ahead of schedule. Members were informed traffic use of the bridge is at a total of 90% pre covid levels.

Cornwall Councillor Worth is due to attend meetings to discuss the financial impact over the next 25 years with a proactive view being taken to ensure all maintenance issues are covered.

Transport

An A38 workshop with National Highways had been held in preparation of important works and public announcements due to be received in early February 2022.

Cornwall Councillor Worth felt encouraged at the level of attendance and attention from the team of consultants who gave clear levels of detail for works and understanding of safety issues identified between Carkeel and Trerulefoot.

COP26 – AONB

The importance of improvements to prevent flood risks between the boundaries and riverbanks had been identified and solutions are being further researched. Cothele recently trialled one method by breaking its traditional riverbanks to re-flood areas to assist with the growth of reeds which will keep water quality standards high if flooding were to continue.

Cornwall Councillor Worth has met with the new Queens Harbour Master and is further exploring risks of flooding at the Saltash boundaries.

Councillor Frank updated Members on the following:

Saltash Leisure Centre

The deadline for the public consultation responses closed on Sunday 31^st October 2021 with over 4,000 responses received in total. It has been unclear how many of those responses related to Saltash Leisure Centre however they will be made available for the public to review prior to being received by Cabinet on 15^th December 2021.

Walking and Cycling Routes

Money has been ringfenced for the improvement of walking and cycling routes to access Saltash Primary Schools.

Phase one works have now been completed with phase two works aiming to improve access to St Stephens Primary School.

Fore Street Roadworks

Fore Street bus bays and parking bays are due to be refurbished. Speed humps which were installed during the pandemic will be removed and asphalt laid. There have been concerns from surrounding businesses that they will experience further disruption leading up to the Christmas period. Cornwall Council have enquired with Cormac and been assured the works will be undertaken as quickly as possible with minimal impact.

Cornwall Councillor Frank confirmed Belle Vue Carpark will remain open to shoppers whilst the taxi ranks are repaired.

Climate Action Online Event

8^th November 10am – 2pm on a virtual platform with the focus of the meeting to investigate Cornwall’s highest carbon emissions areas.

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.

Two public questions had been received prior to the meeting.

Question 1 - To view the public question received please refer to Appendix 2 attached to the minutes.

A resident asked if the Town Council would write to the recently appointed Planning Officer at Cornwall Council to investigate why the footbridge at Dellohay Park has not been installed. Especially as the finances and application had been approved since 2006.

It was proposed by Councillor Dent, seconded by Councillor Gillies and RESOLVED to delegate to Cllr Dent to write a strong letter on behalf of the Town Council to the Planning Officer to ascertain why the footbridge has not yet been actioned liaising with the Acting Town Clerk prior to submission.

Members received a second public question.

Question 1 - To view the public question received please refer to Appendix 2 attached to the minutes.

The Chairman thanked the resident for their question. Members will meet to review the Remembrance event following the proceedings to further reflect and see whether improvements are required to be made.

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 Bickford, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Full Town Council Meeting held on Thursday 7^th October 2021 were confirmed as a true and correct record subject to an amendment to minute 229/21/22 to state Standing Order Section Two Item 2x.

a.  To advise the following receipts in:

         i.        September 2021.

Cllr Martin congratulated Members on the successful Isambard House Murder Mystery event.

It was RESOLVED to note.

b.  To advise the following payments in:

       ii.        September 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 30th September 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.

Members received the application for a Community Chest Grant from Saltash Leisure Centre to assist with their campaign to ‘use it or lose it’.

The Chairman spoke of concerns that the application did not qualify under the Community Chest Grants Policy but expressed wishes to assist with the leisure centre plight to remain operational.

The Acting Town Clerk informed Members of available funds within the S106 Waitrose/Quora (publicity funds) EMF budget allocated for applications to continue to drive footfall through the Highstreet and surrounding areas.

The Acting Town Clerk informed Members of the Mayors support for the application received and for the full amount to be awarded should Members agree.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor G Challen and RESOLVED:

1.    To award £1,500.00 to match fund Saltash Leisure Centre proposal for their ‘use it or lose it’ campaign.

2.    Funds to be allocated to the S106 Waitrose/Quora (publicity funds) EMF budget.

3.    Saltash Leisure Centre to provide Full Council a report on how the campaign was received and any impact it made on the membership of the leisure centre.

It was proposed by Councillor Dent, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED:

1.    To approve to adopt the lease agreement between Saltash Town Council and BT together with Amey Consulting Head of Terms.

2.    To approve payment for the Land Registry Compliant Plan at a cost of £120+VAT allocated to budget EMF legal fees.

3.    To include the red phone box to the Town Council asset register and insurance policy.

Councillor Gillies verbally updated Members on the successful Town Vitality Bid Application with £84,000 being awarded to Saltash Town Council.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Gillies and RESOLVED that:

1.     The Acting Town Clerk attends the scheduled meeting with Stephen Facer and Catherine Thompson of Cornwall Council to be held on the  9^th November 2021.

2.    The Acting Town Clerk extracts the deliverables from the Town Vitality Bid Application.

3.    The Acting Town Clerk provides Members an update at the earliest opportunity.

The Chairman informed Members that Cornwall Council received 10 signatories from members of the public calling for a by-election for Essa Ward.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED to note the public request to call for a by-election for Essa Ward and to ratify the by-election cost of £3,500 allocated to EMF 6271 election budget.

If the election is contested, polling cards will be made available and the election will take place on Thursday 2^nd December 2021 at the following polling stations:

1.    Latchbrook Scout Centre

2.    The Core – 2 stations

3.    The Guildhall.

a.  To receive and note a letter of thanks - Essa Ward Election.

It was RESOLVED to note.

b.  To receive a request to support Cormac Solutions in donating a commemorative bench located in Silver Street.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED to support the request to maintain and donate a commemorative bench located in Sliver Street.

c.   To receive and consider a request from the owner of 157 Grassmere Way Pillmere to purchase a section of STC land and to cover the Town Council valuation and legal costs.

Members debated the subject and agreed to consider the legal aspects, and potential knock on impact of any decision.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Gillies and RESOLVED to defer to Full Council to be held on Thursday 2^nd December 2021 subject to:

1.    Information being obtained on the legal position of sale for any parcels of land.

2.    Further identification of the land requested and if it is available to purchase.

3.    Points 1 and 2 above being sought prior to the Full Council meeting to be held on the 2^nd December 2021.

4.    The Acting Town Clerk updating the resident on the current position and to advise no further works are to be continued until further notice.

It was RESOLVED to note and to thank the Regatta Committee for providing another fantastic event for the town.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED to:

1.    Create a working party to include Cllrs Bickford, Gillies, Martin, Miller and Yates.

2.    To give delegated authority to the working group to submit a response on behalf of the Town Council by the closing date of Christmas Eve 2021.

3.    Provide Full Council to be held on the 14^th January 2021 a brief report on the key principles submitted in the response.

The Chairman informed Members that the meeting is heading to exceed 2 ½ hours as per Standing Orders.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED to suspend Standing Order Section Two Item 2x and to continue with the remaining items of business to be conducted.

The Chairman called for a brief comfort break at 9:31pm. The meeting reconvened at 9:36pm.

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

79/21/22    TO REVIEW AND APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING POLICIES:

b.    Civic Handbook

It was proposed by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor Yates and resolved to RECOMMEND approval to Full Council to be held on 7th October 2021.

d.    Terms of Reference Committees and Sub-Committees

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

2.    Approve the amendment relating to ratification of decisions;

3.    Merge the Committee and Sub Committee Terms of Reference into one document.

e.    Recruitment Policy

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Taylor and resolved to RECOMMEND approval to Full Council to be held on 7th October 2021.

f.     Photography and Filming Policy Statement

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Yates and

resolved to RECOMMEND approval to Full Council to be held on 7th October 2021.

RECOMMENDATION 2:

80/21/22    TO RECEIVE A REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION FOR PROFESSIONAL YOUTH WORK TENDERS 2021/22.

The report from Saltash Team for Youth recommended three bids that had been submitted, were complete and could be considered for funding by STC.

The total bids exceeded the £40,000 available in the budget but, considering the huge need for youth work in the town due to the Covid-19 pandemic it was requested that the additional £3,000 be vired from General Reserves.

It was proposed by Councillor Dent, seconded by Councillor Miller and resolved to RECOMMEND approval to Full Council to be held on 7th October 2021 that:

a.    £3,000.00 be vired from General Reserves to budget code 6222 Commissioning Youth Work;

b.    The Commissioning Youth Work funding for 2021-22 be awarded to:

1.    Livewire £15,000

2.    The Core £15,000

3.    Junkyard Skatepark £13,000

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Yates and RESOLVED to note the minutes and approve the above recommendations.

b.  Extraordinary Planning and Licensing held on 5^th October 2021

It was RESOLVED to note. There were no recommendations.

c.   Joint Burial Board held on 12^th October 2021

It was RESOLVED to note. There were no recommendations.

d.  Burial Authority held on 12^th October 2021

It was RESOLVED to note. There were no recommendations.

e.  Services held on 14^th October 2021

RECOMMENDATION:

50/21/22   TO RECEIVE AND NOTE CORNWALL COUNCIL'S FOREST FOR CORNWALL PRE-APPLICATION GUIDANCE AND CONSIDER A LOCATION FOR PLANTING.

It was proposed by Councillor Dent, seconded by Councillor Taylor and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on Thursday 4th November 2021 to:

1.   Apply to Cornwall Council for permission to plant a free landmark tree on Jubilee Green in celebration of the Queen’s Green Canopy.

2.   Plant the landmark tree in the official planting season of October 2021 to March 2022.

3.   Upload the planting project to the interactive map on the new Queen Green Canopy website.

It was proposed byCouncillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED to approve  ...  view the full minutes text for item 264/21/22

It was RESOLVED to note. There were no recommendations.

The Chairman thanked Cllr Taylor for serving the following Sub Committees.

a.  Property maintenance

Composition: Eight Members

Appointed Members: Cllrs Bickford, Bullock, Dent, Miller, P

Samuels, & Yates

Vacancies: Two

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED to appoint Councillor Peggs to the Property Maintenance Sub Committee with one vacancy remaining.

b.  Station Property

Composition: Eight Members

Appointed Members: Cllrs Bickford, Bullock, Dent, Miller, Peggs,

P Samuels, & Yates

Vacancies: One

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Martin and RESOLVED to appoint Councillor Gillies to the Station Property Sub Committee.

c.   Town Centre Vision

Composition: Eight Members

Appointed Members: Cllrs Bullock, Gillies, Griffiths, Martin, Miller,

Peggs & Yates

Vacancies: One

It was proposed by Councillor Gillies, seconded by Councillor G Challen and RESOLVED to appoint Councillor Bickford to the Town Centre Vision Sub Committee.

Members considered the request from the Town Team to reduce the Town Council representation from four Members to three in line with Cornwall Council.

It was proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED to:

1.    Note the reduction in Cornwall Council appointed membership number to three.

2.    Approve that STC become equal in membership number.

3.    Reaffirm STC appointed Members – Cllrs Bullock, B Samuels and when appointed the Chairman of the Town Centre Vision.

a.  To note that Councillor Lennox-Boyd will vote upon the information before her at the meeting but in the light of subsequent information received at Cornwall Council, Councillor Lennox-Boyd may vote differently at that meeting.

b.  To note that if Councillor Lennox-Boyd wishes to recommend opposite to the Town Council’s view she will contact the Town Council by email. Considering time constraints, the Town Council will then hold an online poll of Councillors to determine whether to accept the Officer’s view or to ask for the application to be called into committee. The results of these polls will be read into the record at the next Town Council meeting. Members of the public may request, via the Clerk, to be copied into any correspondence.

c.   Applications for consideration:

PA21/08861

Mr Mark Purcell, Waitrose Ltd – Waitrose Limited Tamar View Industrial Estate Prideaux Close Saltash.

The addition of 6 new e-comm EV van parking spaces within the Waitrose customer car park.  The provision of new refrigeration plant and new air handling unit at the roof level of the existing store.

Ward: Trematon

Date received: 05/10/21

Response date: 08/11/21

https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=QYR15JFGKDE00

a.  To note that Councillor Lennox-Boyd will vote upon the information before her at the meeting but in the light of subsequent information received at Cornwall Council, Councillor Lennox-Boyd may vote differently at that meeting.

b.  To note that if Councillor Lennox-Boyd wishes to recommend opposite to the Town Council’s view she will contact the Town Council by email. Considering time constraints, the Town Council will then hold an online poll of Councillors to determine whether to accept the Officer’s view or to ask for the application to be called into committee. The results of these polls will be read into the record at the next Town Council meeting. Members of the public may request, via the Clerk, to be copied into any correspondence.

c.   Applications for consideration:

Councillor Dent informed Members of application PA21/09469 which was requested for Members to respond via Survey Poll earlier in the week.

A Town Council response to Cornwall Council was unable to be submitted due to the poll being inquorate.

Councillor Dent asked Members to inform the Chairman of Planning and Licensing should any assistance be required to avoid a response not being received via Survey Polls.

The Administration Department will send a reminder of the instructions in completing a Survey Poll.

Members received the following application.

PA21/08861

Mr Mark Purcell, Waitrose Ltd – Waitrose Limited Tamar View Industrial Estate Prideaux Close Saltash.

The addition of 6 new e-comm EV van parking spaces within the Waitrose customer car park.  The provision of new refrigeration plant and new air handling unit at the roof level of the existing store.

Ward: Trematon

It was proposed by Councillor G Challen, seconded by Councillor Dent and resolved to RECOMMEND approval.

a.  The next scheduled meeting date is Saturday 13th November 2021 outside Bloom Hearing, Fore Street. 

a.  The next scheduled meeting date Saturday 13th November 2021, 10am to 12 noon, outside Bloom Hearing, Fore Street.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor G Challen and RESOLVED for Councillors Dent, Miller, Peggs and Yates to attend.

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.

Isambard House

The Chairman reminded Members of the invitation to the event at Isambard House to thank the partners and funders to be held on Tuesday 9^th November 2021 commencing at 10:30am.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor G Challen and RESOLVED to issue the following Press and Social Media releases:

1.    Funding awarded to Saltash Leisure Centre

2.    The adoption of the BT Phone box located by Isambard House

3.    Essa Ward Election – Thursday 2^nd December 2021

4.    Meet Your Councillor Session

5.    Feedback from Stagecoach and Plymouth Citybus

6.    Isambard House Event – Tuesday 9^th November 2021

7.    Successful Town Vitality Funding Bid.

Thursday 2^nd December 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.