Report From Oakham Town Council Victoria Hall, 39 High Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6AH, Council Meeting

this should have been the

First Report sent via my mobile, well it would have been if I had not forgot the password!

At least I did not lose the text.

Report From
Oakham Town Council
Victoria Hall, 39 High Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6AH
Telephone: 01572 723627

e-mail: enquiries@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

A MEETING OF OAKHAM TOWN COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY 16TH JANUARY 2013 AT 7.00PM
AT THE OFFICES OF OAKHAM TOWN COUNCIL,
VICTORIA HALL, 39 HIGH STREET, OAKHAM

We got off to a good start. Cllr Joyce Lucas no manners ignored my polite greeting.

She spoke to Cllr Nowell about the helicopter crash and  how the BBC have over killed the story. 

Clearly forgetting two people had died and many have been injured. 

I wonder if she will change her tune when she learns the pilot was a former pupil of Oakham 

School, we all know how she like to grovel at the feet of the local establishment. 

Of course nothing surprises me any more regarding the  conduct of this 78 year old bitter twisted councillor. Yes Joyce I can still hear you when you attempt to whisper.

She then went on to tell Cllr Nowell I was Evil? I did look at him for a reaction, i am sure he was cautious not wanting to add to his current problem of the ongoing police investigation. By Leicestershire Police Economic Crime Unit.

APOLOGIES

From Cllr Lockett and Cllr Dodds  were accepted

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

none

MINUTES

Councillors confirmed the minutes of the Meeting of Oakham Town Council held on Wednesday
12th December 2012


COUNCILLOR’S QUESTIONS

None

CHAIRMAN AND MEMBER’S REPORTS

Adam Lowe reported Oakham in Bloom is fun and up for it. 

He also announced they are entering Britain in Bloom

Mayor reported attending ATC 

He was also pleased with the turn out for the Christmas Carol Service held at All Saints Church.

CLERK’S REPORT

Clerk reported internal audit wil take place 4th Febrary.

New external auditors have been appointed by the Audit Commission. They are Grant Thornton UK LLP.

The Gaol Street Murals have been removed by the Co-op.

He gave a report about RCC Site Allocations and Policies Development Plan Document. 

hhtp:://www.rutland.gov.uk/local plan/site allocations policies dp/preferred options/summary of responses.aspx

DEPUTATIONS BY THE PUBLIC

I raised the high cost of the Rutland Times advert for the Christmas Service suggesting the council was attempting to buy back control of the local paper, Cllr Haworth had complained they had lost control of the Rutland Times at a previous meeting. This advert cost £100 more than the summer concert adverts. 

I suggested they would have done better if they had wrote the cheque out to the Mayors Charity or run a number of adverts on Rutland Radio.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE FINANCE WORKING GROUP

To consider recommendations from the Finance Working Group relating to:
(i) Charges for the hire of Council owned Parks (Appendix B)
(ii) The Council’s Investment Strategy and Financial Risk Assessment
(Appendix C)

Cllr Guthries wants to standerdise the charge for use of Cutts Close £100 a day

Cllr Haworth asked for mention of bandstand to be removed.

Both were agreed

Cllr Guthrie recommends no changes to investments. 

Or finance regs

BUDGET 2013 - 2014 (Appendix D)
To further consider the matter and to make decisions as appropriate

53p increase on average band D properties 

Cllr Haworth voted against budget Cllr lucas Abstained

RUTLAND ACCESS GROUP (Appendix E)
To consider a report on the Oakham Access Awareness Day and to make any
decisions as appropriate

Big problem with shops A frames

They object to bench at the end of Gaol Street/South Street.

Cllr Lucas feels A frames should be replaced with a fixed sign.

She said the present climate outways injuries to people.

Cllr J Woodcock has no problem with the well used bench

Through the Town Partnership laddder signs had been discussed with traders.

Cllr Dewis thinks RCC should look at the ever growing number of A frames.

Councillors did not know what the report authors meant by the comment the Braille signs at the toilets are not tactile.

It was agreed Cllrs Lowe and Woodcock go away and look into issues and report back to the council.

The Clerk said it would be simpler for him to call some one.

Cllr Lowe  said a good report with no solutions.

BUS STOP ENHANCEMENTS 2013 (Appendix F)
To consider a letter from Rutland County Council and to make decisions as
appropriate

Cllr Dewis said it was not normal for Rutland County Council to ask for a wish list

Cllr Haworth said this is difficult due to the planned new hub. Although it may not happen.

Cllr Lucas Harrington Way needs a shelter I dont know my East From West

Cllr Haworth did not know what is required for John Street.

Various places were suggested for seats and shelters

PROPOSAL TO RELOCATE ONE “OAKHAM” TOWN SIGN (Appendix G)
To consider a letter received from a unamed member of the public and to make any
appropriate decisions

Cllr Guthrie says the council should write to RCC to change boundry to move new development into Oakham so they can gain extra precept.

Cllr Lucas has a problem with this. Sainsbury needs to be resolved. Most company cars have sat nav. 

Dissapointed the letter writer thinks there is parish council for Barleythorpe she said he is observant and should become a town councillor.

Cllr John Nowell said the Town Partnership were looking at replacing and moving the sign accross the road.

Cllr Lowe said we should write to him and thank him and say it is in hand end off the proposal was accepted.

SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS (Appendix H)
To decide whether to approve the Schedule of Payments for the period
1st December 2012 – 2nd January 2013

Accepted

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS (Appendix I)
To decide whether to approve the Statement of Accounts to 2nd January 2013

Accepted

Clerk mentioned there is some disquiet about this as it does not reflect clearly the councils current financial state.

They are changing the system called flex accounting but itis not accurrate.

He saId somethings he may have entered incorrectly.

Council is in reasonable health.

Cllr Lowe said can I ask a stupid question if we have extra money can we pay the loan back quicker.

Cllr Haworth said we dont want to be paying off a loan when we might need to replace the equipment.

The clerk said does everyone understand this style of flexed accounts whatever that means?

Meeting Closed at: 7.50

Appendixes available from Oakham Town Council