Millom Town Council
Minutes
Zoom Meeting Held on Wednesday 24th June 2020 at 7.30PM
Present: Cllr A Dixon (Mayor), Cllr T Dixon, Cllr S Carter, Cllr R Pattinson, Cllr T Fitzwilliam, Cllr R Cummings, Cllr R Kelly, Cllr R Peter, Cllr D Billing, Cllr G Brace, Clerk V Bradley and Assistant Clerk C Jopson
Members of the Public: Russell Adams, Gavin Towers, Mike Lim
001/20 Apologies for Absence
Cllr J Brown, Cllr B Crellin, Cllr J Jakubowski
002/20 Declarations of Pecuniary Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
003/20 To Approve as a Correct Record the Minutes of the Meeting Held on 26th February 2020
Cllr R Pattinson proposed that the minutes from the meeting held on 26th February 2020 be signed as a true and correct record. This was seconded by Cllr T Dixon.
004/20 To Approve the Minutes of the Amenities and Recreation Committee Held on 8th January 2020
Cllr D Billing proposed that the minutes from the Amenities and Recreation Committee be signed as a true and correct record. This was seconded by Cllr R Kelly.
005/20 Open to the Public
Russell Adams gave a short summary in regard to the planning application 4/20/2182/0F1 – Redevelopment and extension of the Millway building for restaurant, kitchen, café/restaurant, reception area: erection of community assembly building; 13 residential units (including 4 No Accessible units; 4 No Vardo Wagons; 12 Airstream caravans; 3 ancillary toilet blocks; sculptures; warehouse; associated parking and infrastructure with ancillary facilities; – Land at the Millway, Devonshire Road, Millom.
He informed the Councillors that he hoped planning would be approved within the next 3–6 months. Costings have been done with utilities and works sorted ready to go. Realistically he stated that it would be around 6 months before commencement. He informed the Councillors that work had already begun in renovating the vans and that the Millway office was already in situ. He agreed to keep the Council informed of any updates when appropriate and would be happy to answer any questions in relation to the project. R Adams left the meeting.
Gavin Towers spoke to the Council stating that he would also be happy to talk to the Council if they had any concerns. G Towers left the meeting.
006/20 Millom Town Councillor & Clerk’s Update
- a) Acceptance of Office: The Clerk informed the Council that Cllr S Donnelly’s Acceptance of Office had been sent to Copeland Borough Council.
- b) Breaking Strains Event: A letter had been received from Copeland Borough Council and partners regarding Breaking Strains Events intending to hold a brand new challenge event using the length of the borough. The event is called Run the Edge and is being hosted in partnership between Breaking Strain Events and CBC. The event is scheduled to take place on the weekend of 20th–21st March 2021. It will largely follow the line of the designated English Coastal Path stretching from Millom to the south of Whitehaven. Action: Clerk to confirm ok
- c) Local Electricity Plan: After looking further into the requirements for Councils to become involved with this, it was agreed by all not to go ahead and support this action at the present time mainly due to unforeseen costs that might arise. Action: Clerk to inform them of decision
- d) Christmas Lights: It was agreed by all Councillors to proceed with West Lakes Electrical to supply the Christmas lights. Cllr A Dixon signed the contract. The Mayor noted a power point may need to be installed in the market square to enable a real tree. Cllr Billing inquired about the Public Realm plan. Action: Clerk to gather information; to go on next agenda
- e) Slag Bank Donation: A letter from the Slag Bank Play area was received requesting help with insurance payment. It was agreed to pay £467.30. Action: Clerk
007/20 Newton Street Property
A proposed draft lease was circulated. Cllr R Cummings raised concern with a 20-year term. It was discussed to amend to a 10-year lease with a possible right to buy at its end. Council agreed inspection and necessary repairs be made before signing. Action: Clerk to contact Home Group with proposals
008/20 Street Cleaner
Agreed to purchase a street cleaner. Cllrs A Dixon and R Peter authorised to choose preferred machine after final research. Action: Clerk
009/20 Millom to Remember
Cllr Cummings suggested involving children/adults in a COVID-19 remembrance project involving decorated stones in Millom Park’s sensory garden. Action: Cllr Cummings
010/20 Market in the Square
Proposal to hold markets during the year. Cllr T Dixon indicated readiness for August Bank Holiday, but due to COVID-19 uncertainty, agreed to wait until Christmas market.
011/20 Planning
Planning Application 4/20/2182/0F1 – Redevelopment and extension of the Millway building. All councillors supported the proposal with no objections. Action: Clerk
012/20 Any Other Business
- A&R Meetings: Cllr Billing raised concern about meetings. Clerk noted one was scheduled for 11/3/20 but only 3 members attended. Mayor suggested holding one as soon as the building opens mid-July. Action: Clerk to explore Zoom or in-person meeting soon
- Town Plan: Mayor advised updates are needed to reflect coastal pathways, cycle ways, improved walkways/bridges. Action: Clerk to forward plan to A&R committee and place on agenda
- Queens Park Development: Cllr Peter stated demolition was due mid-end July. Home Housing asked if plants had been removed. Cllr Brace volunteered to remove them with other volunteers. Cllrs R Pattinson and A Dixon to assist. Noted issue with rat infestation being investigated.
Action: Cllr A Dixon to arrange plant removal date
- Ward Inspections: Cllr Billing enquired. Cllr T Dixon prepared spreadsheet. To be on next agenda. Action: Cllr T Dixon and Cllr G Brace to coordinate dates; Clerk to email spreadsheet again
- Prison: Clerk reported prison unable to conduct work currently.
- Stronger Town Funds: Mayor informed that Robert Morris-Eyton elected chairman for bid. Submission expected by end of January. Next meeting Monday 29th June 2020. Further updates to follow.
- Hand Sanitisers: Playdale offers units at £3500 each, discount applies if buying 2. To be on next agenda. Action: Clerk
There being no further business the meeting closed at 08.20pm
Actions
- 006/20 – d) Clerk to gather information regarding Public Realm. To be placed on next agenda
- 006/20 – e) Clerk to arrange for cheque to be paid to Slag Bank
- 007/20 – Clerk to respond regarding the lease amendments
- 008/20 – Clerk Road Sweeper – further information to be gathered
- 009/20 – Cllr Cummings – to organise and sort the project
- 011/20 – Clerk to sort planning
- 012/20 – Clerk to arrange next A&R meeting
- 012/20 – Clerk to arrange for Town Plan to be updated as soon as possible
- Cllr A Dixon to arrange date for removal of plants at Queens Park
- Cllr T Dixon/Cllr G Brace to coordinate date and times to carry out ward inspections
- Clerk to send out ward inspections spreadsheet
- Clerk to look further into hand sanitisers for play areas, to be placed on agenda for next meeting
