December 2021
MINUTES of the Full Council Meeting held on Wednesday 8th December 2021 at 7.00PM at the Committee Room adjacent to the Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen.
Present:
Councillor S. Bunney (Chairman/LCC/WLDC), Councillor M. Lakin - Whitworth (Vice-Chairman), Councillor K. Bridger, Councillor M. Hassan, Councillor J. Pilley, Councillor C. Turner. *Councillor F. Easters
In Attendance:
Dianne Tuckett– Market Rasen Mail
*Freddie Easters- candidate for co-option
The meeting opened at 19:00
1. Opening remarks.
The Chairman welcomed all present to the meeting.
2. To resolve to approve and accept apologies for absence.
It was RESOLVED to approve apologies from Councillors P. Harrold, A. Dale & N Taylor. Apologies were noted from Councillor J McNeill of West Lindsey District Council.
3. Public Participation (max 20 minutes)
There was discussion regarding highways issues including potholes, street lighting and a damaged street sign. It was highlighted that reporting issues via the fix my street app was the most efficient method.
4. To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the localism Act 2011 and to consider any applications for dispensations in relation to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests. Members may make any declarations of interest at this point but may also make them again at any time during the course of the meeting.
Councillor Bunney declared a pecuniary interest regarding payments BP1353 &BP1354 & TP78. Councillor Bunney therefore abstained from voting and took no part in the discussion regarding agenda item 11.
5. Co-option:
· To RESOLVE to co-opt a councillor to the casual vacancy resulting from the resignation of N. Brooksbank.
It was PROPOSED & SECONDED and RESOLVED by a majority of those present and voting to co-opt Jane Smith.
· To RESOLVE to co-opt a councillor to the casual vacancy resulting from the resignation of the late L. Burnett.
It was PROPOSED & SECONDED and RESOLVED by a majority of those present and voting to co-opt Freddie Easters.
· To RESOLVE to co-opt a councillor to the casual vacancy resulting from the resignation of T. Smith.
This item was deferred until a later date pending further expressions of interest.
F. Easters signed a declaration of acceptance of office, which was duly witnessed by the Proper Officer, and joined the meeting as a councillor.
6. To RESOLVE to approve the draft minutes of the last meeting, held on November 10th , 2021.
It was RESOLVED to approve the draft minutes of the last meeting, held on November 10th, 2021, as a correct record.
7. To note any update on Action Points.
Members noted the Action log it was highlighted that the list of listed buildings had now been circulated and that a visit regarding local listing was to take place on the 16th December.
8. Committees:
- To NOTE the draft minutes of the last Finance Committee meeting, held 17th November 2021 and to RESOLVE to approve the recommendation -
Festival Hall & Market Fees as of 01/04/2022
Members noted the minutes and RESOLVED to approve the recommendation for Festival Hall & Market Fees as of 01/04/2022 as shown in Appendix A of these minutes.
It was additionally RESOLVED that the below events on the Market Place would not be charged for:
- Christmas Eve – Visit from Father Christmas
- Putting up / Taking down of the Christmas Tree
- Good Friday Church Service
- Remembrance Sunday activities
- Any Town Council Event
It was also RESOLVED that the Festival Hall would be provided to the Lions for £20 for the Gardeners Market (cover of utilities costs) provided this was in conjunction with the fully paid for hire of the Market Place. It was also noted that the Town Band would receive free use of the Festival Hall on three occasions as part of their annual sponsorship.
9. To receive the report of the District & County Councillor.
It was noted that:
- West Lindsey District Council (W.L.D.C) were looking into CCTV in the Town and that cameras were to be replaced and potentially additional cameras added.
- Residents were encouraged to report all crime either on 101 or 999 as appropriate, as this helps to build the evidence for the need for a greater physical policing presence in the town.
- The Christmas Market weekend had gone well and had been enjoyed by all, unfortunately the laser show had not gone ahead but it was hoped to reschedule this as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.
- It was hoped W.L.D.C would be introducing two free parking days a year.
- The purchase of Christmas decorations made from recycled plastics collected was discussed.
Action Point- The Clerk to write a letter of thanks to the Chief Executive of W.L.D.C in regard to the free parking on the Christmas Market Day and the welcome back fund investment received.
10. To NOTE the Officer’s reports including the finance report.
Members noted the officer’s reports, clarification was sought in regard to a parking sign, and it was highlighted that progress on the Festival Hall roof was delayed by inclement weather. Available training was noted, and the Clerk was asked to investigate bespoke training for the whole council.
Action Point- Clerk to investigate bespoke training.
11. Accounts for payment:
- To RESOLVE to approve the accounts for payment. Members RESOLVED to approve the below accounts for payment and where appropriate payment by electronic transfer:
12. To RESOLVE the future use (for the next 3 to 5 years) of the Marketplace.
Members noted the report and proposal by Councillor Bunney and following discussion RESOLVED to adopt a hybrid proposal encompassing space for café society, community and visitor events and short-term car parking incorporating:
- George Street entrance be closed for everyday use.
- A mixture of ‘municipal black’ planters, bollards, barriers and gates to be used to mark off traffic free zones and car routeways.
- Designated parking spaces to be marked out in an aesthetically pleasing manner – potentially studs.
- A one-way system will be operated around the Market Place to ensure safety and ease of movement.
- A seating area with a shelter will be constructed in the east front corner [Luca Vets] – this will approximately mirror the seating area on the west front corner [The March Hare].
- An electric display/advertising board.
- A survey undertaken to determine the number of parking spaces to be available.
Limited parking times, controlled parking, and residents parking to be considered later.
It was RESOLVED to set up a working group of interested Councillors lead by Councillor Hassan to manage the project.
A review of these arrangements will be made starting 18 months into the project [sometime in 2024] with the aim of creating a Market Place Scheme for the period up to 2040.
It was noted that prior to the Council purchase of the Market Place no changes could be made without the permission of the current owner.
13. To APPOINT Cllr’s A. Dale and J. Pilley as the Market Rasen Town Council representatives on the multiagency community group addressing antisocial behaviour.
It was RESOLVED to APPOINT Cllr’s A. Dale and J. Pilley as the Market Rasen Town Council representatives on the multiagency community group addressing antisocial behaviour.
14. To CONSIDER the continuation of the current mole contract for another year.
It was RESOLVED to continue the current mole contract for another year.
15. To RECEIVE an update on games equipment at Mill Road Playing field.
Members noted that W.L.D.C were able to fund additional equipment via Welcome back funding and a meeting would be taking place to discuss this.
16. Any items for the next agenda.
Report on heritage project.
The Queen’s Jubilee
Market Place Closures.
17. Risk Management.
The previously noted electricity pole was queried, it was confirmed this had been damaged for many years and it was not live – however a collar was to be placed on it.
18. To RESOLVE that under the public bodies (admission to meetings) act 1960, the public and representatives of the press and broadcast media be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business as publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
The above resolution was not passed as there was no requirement for a confidential session.
The meeting closed at 20:40
Appendix A
