M I N U T E S   

Of the meeting of Lewes Town Council held on

Thursday, 23^rd February 2012, in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Lewes at 7:30pm.

NB where a record of voting was requested, this is shown in the table appended to these Minutes.

PRESENT: Councillors S Catlin (Wischusen); M Chartier (Deputy Mayor); A Dean; I Eiloart; M Kent; D Lamport; L F Li, R Murray; S Murray; R O’Keeffe; A Price; J Stockdale (Mayor) and M Turner.
In attendance: S Brigden (Town Clerk [TC]);  Revd P Hamilton-Manon (Council’s Chaplain); Mrs F Garth (Civic Officer & Asst TC); Mrs C Stocken (C’ttee Admin); L Symons (Mace Bearer);
Observing:     Ms E Martin (Administrative Officer); Mrs J Dean (Reception/Administration)
The Mayor welcomed his Chaplain, Rev Phillipp Hamilton-Manon, who led the assembly in a short period of reflection.
FC2011/112	QUESTION TIME: The Mayor welcomed Mrs R Ellis and six residents of St Michael’s Terrace who had expressed an interest in agenda item 9.  No members of the press were present.
FC2011/113	MEMBERS’ DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Declarations of interest were made by            Cllrs Price and Turner iro agenda item 6(a) (Grants Panel 7th February 2012) in that they are members of the Lewes Twinning Association committee (an applicant body).
FC2011/114	APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr J Daly, who had a Lions charity commitment; Cllr P Kingham, an unavoidable work commitment; Cllr J McCleary, attending a funeral; Cllr M Milner, who was attending his recently-born baby son; and Cllr R Rudkin, who was attending a funeral in the Netherlands.
FC2011/115	MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS: i]        Councillors joined the Mayor in offering hearty congratulations to Cllr Milner and his partner Leila on the birth of their son, Rex Christopher McKellar Milner, the previous Thursday.  ii]      The Mayor reminded Councillors of the “Brass for Brunch” charity breakfast and concert by Brass Fusion on Sunday, 4th March at the All Saints Centre (in aid of the Pells Pool and Oyster Project); the Spring Tea for senior citizens on Wednesday, 14th March; and the sponsored walk to celebrate one year of the National Park on Saturday, 31st March.  iii]    During the training day on the previous Saturday, Members present had suggested that they wished to pursue the “Power of Wellbeing” as an interim measure before the (delayed) “General Power of Competence” was effected in law.  The requisite statutory training for Members had been booked for 6:30pm on 29th March, prior to the Council meeting; which was to be delayed until 8pm.  The intention was to qualify Members and thereby make possible a resolution to adopt the Power of Wellbeing at the subsequent Council meeting.  Members were also advised that it was a statutory requirement that at least 80% of Councillors (15) attend the training and that there would be no further opportunity to do this, as there would be no new Power of Wellbeing adoptions once the General Power of Competence was available. It was noted that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government had announced earlier that week that he was “fast-tracking” a Statutory Instrument to give effect to the General Power of Competence and it was quite likely that the circumstances would change before the training mentioned above, as the new regime was not expected to include the same requirement.  In those circumstances the training would not be conducted.  TC would update Members in due course.
FC2011/116	MINUTES: The Minutes of the meeting held on 19th January 2012 were received and signed as an accurate record.  TC noted that the version circulated with the agenda had contained a minor error in that the voting-record sheet had not been updated to reflect changes in Members’ political affiliation.  This was corrected in the minute-book.
FC2011/117	WORKING PARTIES AND OUTSIDE BODIES: Members were reminded that anyone who may have attended a meeting of any recognized outside body which had covered issues that deserved attention by the Council, should ensure that TC was aware of this before the meeting, and preferably before the agenda deadline.  Reports on all activities of the organization were not expected. a]    Grants Panel 7th February 2012: Members considered report FC015/2011(copy in minute book), which contained the panellists’ recommendations. Following a short discussion, it was resolved that: FC/2011/117.1 The grant payments recommended in column E of report FC015/2011 be approved, with the sum of £974 in excess of the agreed grants budget paid from the general fund. b]   Audit & Governance Panel 15th February 2012: Members received and noted the minutes of the Panel (copy in minute book) c]    Traffic Issues Working Party 16th February 2012:  Members received the draft minutes of the Working Party and noted that progress had been made on proposals for a 20mph speed limit scheme.  A scheme for the town centre core was now identified in ESCC’s draft 2012/13 programme.  ESCC were keen to discuss the details, and to take-up the Council’s offer of a contribution of £5,000.  There was a possibility that updated checks on average speeds might allow a wider area.  It had been agreed that Cllr Milner (or Cllr S Murray if he was unavailable) and TC would attend a meeting with transport planning officers as soon as possible, to discuss implementation.   The agreed pedestrian crossings for Malling would be included in the County Council’s design programme.  County Council proposals for the extension of the Ringmer to Lewes cycle route were also noted.  The “Mill Road Option” recently-circulated for discussion was favoured by ESCC, who were seeking to stimulate discussion on this single option, mindful that there were other constraints and conditions requiring completion of the route within 15 years. Members found their argument to be unsound, and could see no practical merit in such a hilly route, ending in dangerously-steep gradients.  They considered the proposal to be evidence of undue haste and exhorted further research into the other options; in particular the option involving a route near Stoneham Farm. Following a short discussion, it was resolved that: FC/2011/117.2 Lewes Town Council confirms its offer to East Sussex County Council in the sum of £5,000, for implementation of a 20mph speed limit scheme for the centre of Lewes; subject to a positive outcome of the imminent meeting to discuss details.  Cllrs Milner, S Muray, and the Town Clerk be authorized to approve this. FC/2011/117.3 Lewes Town Council endorses the views of its Traffic Working Party regarding options for completion of the Ringmer - Lewes cycleway, expressed in minute reference TIWP2011/13 iv) of the meeting of 16th February 2012, in that it exhorts East Sussex County Council to fully explore those routes which avoid steep gradients. FC/2011/117.4 Lewes Town Council states its support for the principles of the “Cities fit for Cycling” campaign initiated by The Times Newspaper, and its willingness to embrace any aspects which may arise locally, where it might have power or influence.  d]  Commemorations (2012) Working Party 21st February 2012: Members received an oral report from Cllr Chartier regarding proposals to celebrate forthcoming events:-      i)     Diamond Jubilee celebration of HM Queen Elizabeth 2nd:  Members were reminded that it had already been agreed to the joint project, with Lewes District Council (LDC) hosting a strawberry cream tea in the Town Hall on Saturday 2nd June.  Alongside this was a competition for schools to produce portraits and an exhibition of the expected 2,000 entries would be displayed in the Corn Exchange over that weekend.  Council had also agreed to enter the national scheme for beacon fires, and that a suitable partner should be approached regarding a fire on Landport Bottom. There was some crossover between jubilee events and the later Olympic Torch Relay, as the Olympic organizers allowed either Olympic “branding” or Union Red/White/Blue (RWB) to be used when dressing the route of the torch relay.  It was agreed that RWB items were more practical as they had many potential uses and could be deployed for both these evens in 2012.  LDC had already committed to RWB municipal planting schemes across the District by ordering suitable varieties in the annual specification to growers      ii)    Olympics: The national Olympic torch relay was to run through the town, and Members were reminded that the District and County Councils were leading on proposals to celebrate the occasion.  It had been suggested that the Town Council might provide RWB “dressing” materials for businesses along the route of the torch relay – in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.      iii)   Other ideas for 2012 that were considered worthy of further development were: §        Creation of a book of photographs, with one from each of the 60 years of the Queen’s reign. §        Celebratory ringing of “Gabriel”, the historic bell in the Market Tower. §        Request to the local church authorities for a co-ordinated peal of bells across the town §        A photographic exhibition in the Town Hall foyer, contrasting the Diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897 with the present celebration. §        An exhibition of a local royal memorabilia collection on Heritage Open Day in September. §        A traditional “Loyal Address” (speech; message to the monarch; and displayed manuscript. When a clearer idea of cost implications could be established, Council would be asked to agree a sum to be drawn-down from the existing finance reserve earmarked for Commemorations (shown in the accounts as R7).  Meanwhile, Council was asked to endorse the projects suggested above as suitable for further research. The discussions had briefly touched upon future prospects, such as the 2014 Battle of Lewes Celebrations, and the 50th/40th anniversary celebrations, in 2013, of links with Blois and Waldshut-Tiengen. e]    East Sussex County Council St Anne’s site Steering Group:  Members received an oral report from Cllr S Murray regarding progress in setting up the “accountable body” proposed by ESCC to manage the site.  Several parties had expressed interest in participating in using the site: for instance, Sussex Wildlife Trust suggested setting up a demonstration wildlife friendly garden and butterfly friendly bank and Sussex Archaeological Society proposed potential archaeological surveys of the site in conjunction with the Battle of Lewes anniversary celebrations.      f]    Uckfield Line Parishes Group:  Members received an oral report from Cllr Kent regarding progress on the BML2/Lewes to Uckfield rail link reinstatement project.  He reported on the usage of the Uckfield to London line, which was experiencing over-crowding, and on concerns regarding ESCC proposals for traffic schemes and other developments affecting the line of the track-bed.   g)   All Saints Steering Group Vacancy: Following nominations it was resolved that: FC/2011/117.5 Cllrs Chartier, Kent and Price are elected to serve on the All Saints Steering Group.    h)   Civic Awards Assessment Panel: Following nominations it was resolved that: FC/2011/117.6 Cllrs Catlin, Kent and S Murray were elected to serve on a Civic Awards Assessment Panel, to review nominations and recommend Awards, in line with Council’s previously-agreed specification for the scheme.  Members were advised that the Civic Awards Assessment Panel would meet on Thursday, 15th March at 6:30pm in the Yarrow Room.
FC2011/118	CONSULTATIONS: Members received a consultation document on the “Rampion” Offshore Windfarm proposals off the coast at Newhaven from E.oN.  It was agreed that Members would submit their individual comments direct.
FC2011/119	ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS re HYDRAULIC FRACTURING: Councillors considered a motion (NOM021/2011 – copy in the minute book) expressing concern for the welfare of Lewes residents should licences be granted to carry out hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) to access gas deposits at Balcombe. There follwed a short debate, in which the principles of fracking were described and several facts were detailed regarding the nature of the process and materials involved.  It was noted that many of the chemicals used in the process were also found in everyday items such as contact-lenses; children’s toys; and horticultural soil-improvers. Following an interesting debate  it was resolved that: FC/2011/119.1 Lewes Town Council notes public concerns about potential dangers to the well-being of residents of Lewes from hydraulic fracturing (“Fracking”) activity in nearby Balcombe; and FC/2011/119.2 A letter be sent to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change asking him to avoid issuing licences for “fracking”, whether exploratory or productive, until such time as it can be shown that such activity would not have a deleterious effect on water supplies or pose a risk of triggering earthquakes that could dame transport links between Lewes and London.
FC2011/120	LAND ADJOINING MALLING COMMUNITY CENTRE: Members received a report ((FC016/2011 – copy in minute-book)  considering options for treatment of scrubland adjoining the Malling Community Centre.  Several comments/suggestions had been received from neighbouring residents and the District Council’s Tree and Landscape Officer, and it was suggested that there would be other ideas; as yet unheard. Following a short debate, it was resolved that:- FC/2011/120.1 Bridge Ward members be authorized to consult with Malling residents and other stakeholders to develop a project for improvements to land adjoining the Malling Community Centre, reporting to Council in time for any works which may be approved to be carried out in early Autumn 2012.
FC2011/121	MUNICIPAL CALENDAR:  Members were advised that a revised version of the calendar would be issued due to two errors appearing on the draft one circulated. Members duly noted the amendments and accepted the calendar for the 2012/13 municipal year.
FC2011/122	UPDATE ON MATTERS IN PROGRESS: Paddock Road Wall:  Members were informed that designs and estimated costs had been finalized, and agreement had been reached on technical requirements related to the structural retention of the adjacent highway.  Works should commence as soon as weather conditions permitted, from the end of March/early April and would take around eight weeks. All Saints Centre: Members were informed that the Steering Group had met twice to take forward the Cinema proposals, which were developing well. Insurance for Lewes Priory: It was reported that appropriate insurance for the built elements of Lewes Priory had now been agreed with the Town Council’s underwriters, on a “first-loss” basis with a valuation of £100,000 at a very reasonable annual premium of less than £500. Malling Community Centre:  Members were advised that the Association were experiencing some administrative difficulties, believed to be temporary, and Cllr Chartier gave a brief outline of the issues involved.  Cllr Kingham and TC had been instrumental in assisting the association to find a workable solution and he exhorted colleagues to continue the Council’s support while outstanding matters were addressed.  After a brief discussion It was resolved that:- FC/2011/122.1  A moratorium is agreed regarding outstanding rent arrears, to be reviewed in June; FC/2011/122.2  The Council’s Malling Community Association Liaison Group be asked to investigate the best way forward to support the immediate management of the Centre, and the joint plan for its future development, and to report to a future Council meeting.
FC2011/123	NOTICE OF ITEMS IN PROSPECT:  Members were advised of the following: a)    A liaison meeting with the Pells Pool Community Association was provisionally arranged for the morning of 15th March 2012; b)    Civic Awards Assessment Panel – 6:30pm on Thursday, 1st March 2012;  c)    A meeting of the Allotment Working Party to agree tenancy conditions and management of the Council’s sites would meet at 6:30pm on Tuesday, 28th February; d)    Planning Committee would next meet on Tuesday 13th March 2012, at 7pm in the Yarrow Room. i)     The next planned Councillors’ “drop-in” surgeries were programmed for Monday, 12th March (Cllr S Murray) and Saturday, 17th March (Cllr Catlin replacing Cllr Kent). j)     Council (the last of the current municipal year) would meet next on Thursday, 29th March 2012 at 7:30pm in the Council Chamber, with the deadline for submission to the Town Clerk of proposed items for the agenda being 12 noon on Monday, 19th March.
FC2011/124	There being no further business the Mayor declared the meeting closed, and invited those present to join him in the Parlour for refreshments. The meeting ended at 9:05 pm

Signed:............................................................................................ Date: ..............................................