Agenda and minutes

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

The Deputy Chairman Councillor Richard Bickford asked the PCC for an update on the position of ex-officio Chairman.

Churchwarden B Jones confirmed he will undertake the role in the absence of a Reverend.

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

None.

Please note: Any member of the public requiring to put a question to the Joint Burial Board must do so by 12 noon the day before the meeting.

None received.

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 Peggs and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Joint Burial Board Committee held on 27^th June 2023 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

Members received the referral from the Services Committee.

Consideration was to be given to Saltash Environmental Action’s request under Agenda Item 13 – To receive a report from Saltash Environmental Action and consider any actions and associated expenditure.

It was RESOLVED to note.

The Finance Officer informed Members of the current budget statement contained within the circulated reports pack.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED to note the budget statements and vire £250 from budget code 6101 BB Machinery Maintenance Costs and £250 from 6104 General Site Maintenance to 6170 EMF Repairs to Cemetery Wall to cover additional spend.

The Finance Officer reported on the proposed amendments to the Fees and Charges for the year 2024/25.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Peggs and resolved to RECOMMEND the Joint Burial Board Fees and Charges for the year 2024/2025 to the Extraordinary Policy and Finance Committee meeting to be held on 31^st October 2023, as attached.

The Finance Officer reported on the proposed amendments to the Joint Burial Board Budget for the year 2024/25.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Dent and resolved to RECOMMEND the Joint Burial Board Budget Statement for the year 2024/2025 to the Extraordinary Policy and Finance Committee meeting to be held on 31st October 2023, as attached.

Nothing to report.

Nothing to report.

The Deputy Chairman confirmed the recent appointment of the Service Delivery Manager who attended St Stephens Churchyard this week. The Town Clerk confirmed contact details would be shared with PCC Members.

The Town Clerk provided a verbal overview of the ongoing maintenance works currently being undertaken and the difficulties working in the Church grounds due to the condition of the graves. The update included recent recruitment within the Service Delivery Department, a comprehensive headstone survey to be undertaken and the clearing and securing of the cemetery hut having recently been actioned.

The Town Clerk added that some trees within the Churches grounds are to be felled due to die back disease, with enquires having been made in regards to the trees located on the cemetery boundary to determine ownership and responsibility. Further information to follow at a future meeting.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Members discussed the request received by Saltash Environmental Action to replace trees within the Churchyard grounds.

Members agreed that due to the trees being native hawthorns with minimal maintenance requirements they were more suited to the area.

Churchwarden L Maddock confirmed at a recent PCC meeting it was approved to permit the replacement of the trees with the minutes from the PCC meeting to be a shared with the Town Council to confirm permission has been given for the planting.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED to approve the planting of two hawthorn trees, at the east of the cemetery boundary wall currently at no cost to the Town Council, with permission already having been sought with PCC for the planting to go ahead.

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. (As required or if necessary).

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. (As required or if necessary).

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 Bickford, seconded by L Maddock and RESOLVED to issue the following Press and Social Media Releases:

1.  Partnership with S.E.A for tree planting within the Churchyard.