Agenda and minutes

Prayers were led by Father Ling.

Council held a minutes silence in memory of those who had lost their lives or were affected by the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in London.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meetings of the Council held on 6 April and two on 11 May 2017 (previously circulated).

RESOLVED:   The Minute of the Meetings of the Council held on 6 April and two Meetings on 11 May 2017 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

None

To receive Mayor’s communications and announcements.

The Mayor informed Council that greetings had been sent to HM The Queen on the occasion of her birthday.

The Mayor welcomed Councillor Gary Howman to his first meeting of the Council following his election to the Fairstead Ward.

To receive any items of business which in the opinion of the Mayor are urgent. 

None

To receive petitions and public questions in accordance with Standing Order 9.

None

Council considered a report which explained that due to non attendance Claire Kittow had ceased to be a Councillor for the St Margaret’s and St Nicholas Ward.

RESOLVED:   That Council:

1. Notes that Claire Kittow has ceased to be a member of this authority;
2. Declares as vacant the office held by Claire Kittow as a councillor for the St Margaret’s and St Nicholas’ ward;
3. Notes that a by election will be held to fill the vacancy.

In accordance with Standing Order 11.1 to receive reports from Cabinet Members in the following order and under Standing Order 11.2 (a) Members of the Council may ask questions of the Cabinet Member on their reports and Portfolio areas:

(Councillors are reminded that this is a question and answer session not a debate.)

Councillor Beales presented his report.  In response to questions raised by Councillor A Tyler, Councillor Beales undertook to monitor the need for railings around the play area at Lynnsport, and to consider a ceremony for the Fields In Trust dedication.

Following a question on the telephone and internet access for the new development in South Lynn Councillor Beales undertook to raise the issue with the County Council.

Councillor Blunt presented his report.  He updated Council on the Neighbourhood plans being prepared in the Borough, and that the first CIL payments to parishes were expected in the Autumn.  In response from a comment made Councillor Blunt confirmed no Custom Build Task Group had been held recently as set out in his report.

Councillor Devereux presented his report.  By way of an update Councillor Devereux confirmed that the Manor Farm North Runcton fire heap was now at a stage for officers to carry out the contaminated land survey of it.

In response to a query from Councillor Joyce on a number of uncollected black refuse sacks in the Ouse Avenue area, Councillor Devereux undertook to look into the matter.

Councillor J Collop asked which community leaders had been engaged with the North Lynn clean up and how it was envisaged to maintain the clean area.  Councillor Devereux confirmed that Councillor A Tyler and Mr Francis Bone had been closely engaged in the clean up and in getting the community to work together with the Council to take pride in the area.  It was also confirmed that J Rust had also been present.   

Councillor Devereux confirmed that once a formal decision had been taken on the cessation of the sale and use of the Council’s food caddy liners, any plastic or newspaper line could be used.

Councillor Lawrence presented his report.  In doing so, following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in London Councillor Lawrence explained the situation with regards to cladding used on properties in the Borough (solid wall insulation scheme)  which used a product of exceptional fire protection performance.   Freebridge Community Housing had also confirmed that the foams used on their properties were of a high fire performance and were glued to the properties rather than the system apparently used on Grenfell Tower.  In response to comments made regarding concerns which had been raised by tenants in the Borough, it was recommended that they contact their landlord for information.

In response to a question from Councillor Joyce on whether consideration would be given to amending Council policy to incorporate a sprinkler system and communal fire alarm Councillor Lawrence reminded Members that all properties should have CO and Smoke alarms, but would be looking into the other options.

In response to the suggestion of a register of those living in Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) to assist in the event of a fire, Councillor Lawrence explained that as soon as officers became aware of a property that was an HMO the necessary requirements were placed on the landlord.  There was a requirement to register on the electoral roll but that was not always carried out by the individuals concerned.

In response to a question on the Traveller encampment which had taken place at Lynnsport, Councillor Lawrence explained that officers were liaising with the Travellers to ascertain their movements etc.

Councillor Mrs Mellish presented her report. She referred to the presentation of the cheque to a local charity following the recycling carried out at the crematorium by the authority.  She invited Members to nominate local charities which could be given the money in future years.

Councillor Mellish confirmed that CCTV was not used to pick up individuals who had breached parking regulations on Council Car parks.

Councillor Hodson presented his report.  In response to a question on CCTV and the  town centre, Councillor Hodson explained that the town had a scheme which it was promoting to get shopkeepers to participate to try to combat shoplifters.

Councillor Mrs Nockolds presented her report.  She responded to questions on the importance of the Tourism brochure in the railway station and that the volunteers at heritage venues were given training.  She also confirmed that the proposed Highways Agency works to the A47  which had now been moved to September was also a busy time for the road so would try to ensure the web site kept visitors up to date.

At the request of Councillor Bird, Councillor Mrs Nockolds undertook to attend a meeting of Hunstanton Town Council to discuss their fears of delays on the Heritage Gardens work in Hunstanton.

Following comments from Councillor Collop on a request for the maintenance costs and his view that the Parkour area in the Walks wasn’t used by young people Councillor Mrs Nockolds confirmed that no damage had been caused to it and that when she had been present on a Friday and Saturday evening the area had been very busy.  She undertook to send a photo to Councillor Collop the next time she visited.  She re-iterated the facility was in the Walks because they young people had wanted it at the Walks.

In response to the question of investment in Heacham as a resort, Councillor Mrs Nockolds confirmed that it had always been referred to as a nice quiet resort.

Councillor Long presented his report.  In response to a question on the re-payment of the NWES loan Councillor Long explained that the terms were set out in the report when it was agreed.  He also explained that the school attainment presentation had been unable to take place as the officers were not available on the day to present. 

Following a question on the Hanseatic responsibilities, Councillor Long confirmed that any event held would be headed by Councillor Nockolds, and business elements would be Councillor Hodson.  Councillor Daubney was the Hanseatic Commissioner for England.  He also confirmed that should members have any questions of the North Lynn Discovery Centre that they should be posed to the Trustees.

In response to a question from Councillor Collop, Councillor Long confirmed the Boundary Review for the Borough was still on track and the task group would give consideration to suggested boundaries with full Council taking a view on it. 

Following praise by Councillor McGuinness for the work carried out by ICT on the Council’s systems around the time of the cyber attacks, Councillor Long commended the team.

In response to a question regarding West Acre Theatre, Councillor Long confirmed that he had met with the theatre and fully explained the situation and the potential opportunities in the future.

In accordance with Standing Order 11.2 (b), Members of the Council may ask any questions of the Chairman of any Council Body (except the Cabinet).

Councillor Joyce asked Councillor Sampson Chairman of Environment and Community Panel whether Councillor Squires had been asked whether she wished to be a representative on the Disability Forum, to which he confirmed she had.

(Members are reminded this is a debate, not a question and answer session)

To consider the following recommendations to Council:

To consider the following recommendations from the Cabinet Meeting held on 23 May 2017:

The following recommendation from the Cabinet meeting on 23 May 2017 was proposed by Councillor Long and seconded by Councillor Blunt :

CAB9:              King's Lynn and West Norfolk Statement of Community Involvement

RESOLVED:   That the recommendation from 23 May 2017 be approved.

Council was invited to make appointments to outside bodies for the municipal year.

Votes were taken for Freebridge Community Housing for 2 places, 3 Councillors G Howman, B Long and C Sampson were nominated.  On being put to the vote, Councillors Long and Sampson were agreed.

The other appointments were agreed as per the attached appendix.

RESOLVED:   1)        That the representatives be appointed to serve on the outside bodies and partnerships listed in the Parish level and General categories as shown at Appendix 1.

2)  That the appointment of representatives nominated by the Environment and Community Panel and Corporate Performance Panel to serve on outside bodies and partnerships which fall within the Scrutiny and Regulatory categories as shown in Appendix 1 to the minutes (with the exception of Norfolk Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee which was Councillor S Young  with Councillor S Fraser as sub)

3)  That the reporting arrangements be noted, as shown in section 3 of the report.