Agenda and draft minutes

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.  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 Town Council 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 Miller, seconded by Councillor Bullock and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Burial Authority Committee held on 25^th September 2023 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

The Chairman announced that the next item of business to be received is Agenda Item Number 13.

(Pursuant to BA held on 25.09.23 minute nr. 26/23/24 and FTC held on 5.10.23 minute nr. 195/23/24)

Members discussed the proposal and implications of multiuse of Churchtown Cemetery facilities.  The Town Clerk appraised Members with regard to concerns relating to administrative requirements and the limited space within the Churchtown Cemetery Car Park now and into the future, although recognised the importance of partnership working where practicable.

At the request of the Chairman, members agreed that the Chair of Friends of Churchtown Farm would be permitted to speak.

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

1.  To refuse the request for storage and shared parking at Churchtown Cemetery, due to lack of contact or information on how a booking system would successfully operate from Antony Estates since the last Burial Authority Meeting held on 25^th September 2023;

2.  To offer further discussions around the potential management of the site.

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

It was proposed by Councillor Lennox-Boyd seconded by Councillor Foster and RESOLVED to note the budget statement and vire £500 from 6071 EMF Replace Machinery and Equipment to 6004 General Site Maintenance to cover expenditure for a replacement bench at Churchtown Cemetery.

The Finance Officer informed Members of the Fees and Charges for the year 2024/25 contained within the circulated reports pack.

It was proposed by Councillor Dent, seconded by Councillor Foster and resolved to RECOMMEND the Burial Authority Fees and Charges for the year 2024/25 to the Extraordinary Policy and Finance Committee meeting to be held on the 31st October 2023, as attached.

The Finance Officer informed Members of the budget statement for the year 2024/25 contained within the circulated reports pack.

It was proposed by Councillor Lennox-Boyd, seconded by Councillor Dent and resolved to RECOMMEND the Burial Authority Committee budget for the year 2024/25 including amendments to the Extraordinary Policy and Finance Committee meeting to be held on the 31st October 2023, as attached.

Nothing to report.

Nothing to report.

The Chairman confirmed the recent appointment of the Service Delivery Manager who joined the team this week.

The Town Clerk provided a verbal overview of the ongoing maintenance works currently being undertaken. The update included recent recruitment within the Service Delivery Department, grass cutting, bark laying to suppress the weeds, fencing works to the compound area, wood treatment to the toilet block, and burials and memorials have taken place with no concerns to report.

The Town Clerk asked Members to consider promoting the Memorials at Churchtown Cemetery.

The Town Clerk added that the Town Council Cornish Wall between the beehive section of the allotments and the Churchtown development remains unfinished and that there seem to be other loose parts of the wall.  The developer is in touch with the office but the appointment of a specialist contractor to undertake the work has proven difficult.  Recently, details of further specialist contractors have been provided to the developer.  Further information to follow at a future meeting.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was proposed by Councillor Foster, seconded by Councillor Bullock and RESOLVED to delegate to the Service Delivery Manager to procure fencing materials within budget for the works to be completed in-house and the cost to be allocated to Budget Code 6070 EMF Churchtown Cemetery Capital Works.

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 Foster, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED to issue the following Press and Social Media release:

1.  To promote the Churchtown Cemetery Memorial Services.