Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Bullock in the Chair to open the meeting and deliver agenda item 1.

It was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor Peggs, to nominate Councillor Bullock.

No further nominations were received.

Following a vote it was RESOLVED to elect Councillor Bullock as Chairman.

Councillor Bullock in the Chair.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Martin, to nominate Councillor Peggs.

No further nominations were received.

Following a vote it was RESOLVED to elect Councillor Peggs as Vice Chairman.

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 received.

Please note: Any member of the public requiring to put a question to the Town Council must do so by email or via The Guildhall no later than 12 noon the day before the meeting.

Members of the public are advised to review the Receiving Public Questions, Representations and Evidence at Meetings document prior to attending 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 Bullock, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Devolution Sub Committee held on 30 January 2025 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

Members reviewed and discussed the report that was circulated within the reports pack.

Members expressed concerns regarding Victoria Gardens, specifically the condition of the tree and the cost associated with refurbishing the railings. There was also brief discussion about other areas that could be considered as part of a potential devolution package, including Longstone Depot, Jubilee Pontoon, and local car parks. Members acknowledged that these matters require thoughtful consideration and informed debate to ensure appropriate decisions and strategic actions are taken.

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

1.  To note the report;

2.  For further consideration and discussions to be held at the first internal Chairs Forum (open to all Members) reporting back to a future Devolution meeting.

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.