STC

STC full council meeting report (18.08.21)

August 30, 2021

4 minutes read

Of all the city council meetings I have been to recently, the one held on 18 August was the first to resemble the meetings before the pandemic broke out. And it was not just about the specific setting of the tables at which the councillors were seated, but also the usual fruitlessness of meeting. Fact – a few decisions were made on grants and building permits, but other than that, the meeting lacked any substance. Nevertheless, I encourage you to have a quick look at the highlights of what was discussed.

2021/052 TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE.
According to the town website, there are 16 town councillors. Unfortunately, I counted just 12 councillors in the chamber at the start of the meeting, so we missed quite a lot this time. I think it’s time to update the STC attendance chart.

2021/053 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS.
Interests were declared, and councillors left the chamber several times. To be honest, it’s kinda weird- they leaving the chamber, but they never reveal why…

2021/054 TO DISCUSS ANY POLICE MATTERS AND DECIDE ANY ISSUES FOR REPORT.
CRIME FIGURES ARE ATTACHED FOR INFORMATION
Two representatives from Derbyshire Constabulary came to the meeting, talked about several issues, and answered a range of questions. Only one thing worth noting is that they confirmed that our police force will get new police officers soon.

2021/055 TO PERMIT PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD.
No members of the public.

2021/056 APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HAVING BEEN HELD 16TH JUNE 2021
2021/057 TO REVIEW THE MINUTES OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND NOTE THE DECISIONS THERETO;
a. LEISURE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 30TH JUNE 2021
b. OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 14TH JULY 2021
Minutes were reviewed. I raised one issue: as I mentioned in the report after the last Operations Committee- there was controversy: some Labour councillors decided to make part of the meeting “exempt”. No section in the Local Government Act allows someone to “exempt” part of the meeting or “exclude” public members while an open meeting is conducted. Labour councillors disagree, but when I asked for a legal basis- they (as usual) didn’t provide it. I’m not surprised- how could they, if I found a section of the Local Government Act confirming MY standpoint. I wrote down the section, subsection and point so I can quote it at the meeting when this controversy comes back.

In short: when Labour want to hide something from the public in their own interest (look Glapwell scandal), they will try to do it. Luckily- the law is on my side

2021/058 TO REVIEW AND APPROVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION
a. TO AUTHORISE CASH BOOK ENTRIES SINCE PREVIOUS MEETING
No serious issues have been raised, although I must point out that I still have some serious and unanswered questions about town spending. I want to ask at the Town Clerk meeting – only there Labour councillors will not have the opportunity to shout down my questions, shout me over and disrupt the process. The fact they doing it that, in my opinion, confirms that they have something to hide from the public.
b. TO ADDRESS QUERIES ARISING FROM THE CASH BOOK
I have some queries but about that… later.
c. TO REVIEW BANK RECONCILIATION/S FOR CASH BOOK PERIOD
Town balance at the end of July 2021 is: GBP 481 551
d. TO CONSIDER AND DECIDE APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
a. THE BROOK COMMUNITY CHURCH & CENTRE
STC voted to award this grant but in a much smaller amount than in application.
b. CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE
STC voted to ask for more information.
2021/059 TO CONSIDER RESPONSES AS NECESSARY TO LISTED CORRESPONDENCE.
a. PATRICIA SMITH – REQUEST TO PURCHASE LAND
This item took most of the councillors by surprise. After discussing it, a decision was made to consult with BDC since the land mentioned in correspondence is co-owned by STC and BDC. In short- the owner trying to buy a piece of land behind her property to extend the garden.
b. SANDRA DAVIDGE – LETTER OF THANKS
Acknowledged.
c. PETER TURTON – REQUEST TO EXTEND LEASE
Accepted (Bowls Club asked to extend the lease on land)
d. NHS JONATHAN WARDLE – LETTER OF THANKS
Acknowledged.
e. CLLR. MURRAY-CARR – OPERATIONS CHAIRMAN – ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
The full council were updated about the progress of matters discussed at Operations Committee
f. ANGELIQUE FOSTER – DERBYSHIRE PCC – RESPONSE TO OUR CORRESPONDENCE
Heh. There wasn’t much discussion about it. Cllr Chris Kane threw a temper tantrum about the fact that Angelique Foster came to Shirebrook on her day off and meet only with one councillor, but not with him, as he is clearly the most important of them all. His behaviour ended the discussion, and I wasn’t able to inform councillors about the grant and new strategy of PCC toward rural crime. Maybe next time…
2021/060 TO CONSIDER PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND REVIEW PLANNING DECISIONS
All planning applications were accepted.
2021/061 TO RECEIVE INFORMATION FROM THE TOWN CLERK.
a. CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME FOR CONSIDERATION
Nothing of interest for residents as the scheme is targeted toward STC employees. As far as I know, every private employer can apply to this program as well- contact your HR for details.
b. CHRISTMAS LIGHTING SCHEME QUOTATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
Councillors received quotes from companies that are interested in providing this year Christmas lighting to Shirebrook. Sadly- yet again, Covid threw a wrench into a usual pace of things. Due to lockdowns and restrictions, there were some delays, and if I understand documents well- we are too late to choose a new provider.

I don’t believe that we will end up without any Christmas decorations, but it is possible.

Labour decided to increase the amount of money allocated for this purpose. I didn’t support that notion.

2021/062 TO RECEIVE CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS.
a. UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING.
b. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION.

2021/063 EXEMPT ITEM/S
Exclusion of public
Due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted it is advisable, in the public
interest, that the public and press be instructed to withdraw from the meeting.
a. CONTRACTUAL/BUSINESS MATTERS.
i. TO RECEIVE UPDATE IN RELATION TO PORTLAND ROAD SITE.
ii. TO DISCUSS SHIREBROOK CEMETERY.
b. PERSONNEL MATTERS.

2021/064 TO APPROVE THE DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL.
SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON THE 13TH OCTOBER, 2021.

END

As you can see- nothing to write home about but you cant expect fireworks at every meeting, right?