Environment & Community Minutes – 29th April 2021
HARWICH TOWN COUNCIL
Guildhall, Church Street, Harwich, Essex CO12 3DS
Tel: 01255 507211
email: info@harwichtowncouncil.co.uk
MINUTES of the Remote Meeting of the ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
held on
Thursday 29th April 2021 at 7pm
| Present: | Councillors Davidson, Fay, McLeod, Powell, I Henderson, Todd, Ferguson, D Smith and Saunders |
| In the Chair: | Councillor M Fowler |
| Clerk: | Mrs Michelle Townsend |
| Also present: | Horticultural Adviser Cheryl Thompson No members of the public and no members of the press |
The meeting start time was delayed to 7.20pm due to technical issues.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME:
None
| E29/20 | APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies received from; None given |
| E30/20 | DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS INTERESTS Cllr I Henderson – in relation to item 12 – residents of Low Road |
E31/20
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Environment & Community meeting held on
19th November 2020 (previously circulated) be approved by the committee and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
E32/20MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
E09/20 – Emergency Plan – To be reissued following the changes at Mayor Making. HTC will undertake a mock test.
E10/20 – Winter Salt Bag Scheme – All stocks of salt held by HTC have been given out to the community following the last spell of bad weather.
E21/20 – Flood Memorial Garden – Harwich Haven Authority have advised that they
consent to their donation of £1300 to be earmarked for an audio post with a plaque
confirming their involvement.
E22/20 – Emergency Planning – F&GP Committee agreed to amend HTC’s Financial Regulations (clause 4.5) to authorise the Clerk, in consultation with Chair of E&C, to release funds up to £1000 in the event of a community emergency.
E24/20 – Tree Planting – Deferred until autumn 2022
E33/20MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
noneE34/20
HORTICULTURAL REPORT
Nothing to report.
E35/20FLOOD MEMORIAL GARDEN
The Clerk advised that Tendring District Council will shortly submit a planning application and wishes to seek HTC’s views for the abstract mural with reflects the tidal/saltmarsh nature of our coast. TDC have confirmed that the project has been fully costed and funds are available. Members felt that the proposed mural does not reflect the historic event and would like the opportunity to discuss the proposal further.
RESOLVED: Clerk to arrange an on-site meeting with Ian Taylor (TDC), Cllr Ferguson and Cllr Fowler.
E36/20
20MPH STREET SAFETY ZONE
The chairman confirmed that a response has not been received from Cllr Bentley and the Local Highways Panel but Cllr I Henderson confirmed that our request was currently being considered.
RESOLVED: Clerk to send a further letter to ask if Cllr Bentley and the Local Highways Panel are now in a position to respond to HTC original request.
E37/20
WINTER SALT BAG SCHEME
Correspondence received from Cllr Bentley (Essex County Council) confirmed that ECC, as the Highway Authority, has the overall responsibility for all maintenance of all the highway assets within our county. However, there is no regime in place for salting treatments of minor roads and footpaths. Logistically, this is not possible and this is common and accepted local authority practice, across the UK as a whole. The salt bag partnership is offered as a supplemental service to the town council so they are equipped to decide where they want to direct local voluntary de-icing services. Members agreed that HTC need to review the current procedures and increase public awareness of HTC’s and ECC’s responsibilities.
RESOLVED: Working party to be set up to review procedures and promotion. Members to include all Guildhall officers, Cllr I Henderson, Cllr Fay, Cllr Davidson and Cllr Fowler.
E38/20OLD STARLINGS SITE
Following the consultation for the improvements to this site, Cllr I Henderson requested the support of the committee to investigate the possibility of regular themed markets to be held on the new car park. Members agreed that travelling themed markets have been successful in other towns and will assist with attracting visitors to Harwich.
RESOLVED: Clerk to investigate travelling themed markets.
E39/20
LOCAL HIGHWAYS PANEL
The following update was provided by Cllr I Henderson;
Date of last LHP meeting – 18th March 2021
•20’s Plenty by Local Schools –
All Saints, Main Road –Awaiting the artwork following a competition with local primary schools. Artwork will be displayed on the signs.
HDHS, Hall Lane – Awaiting the artwork following a competition with local primary schools. Artwork will be displayed on the signs.
Harwich Community, Barrack Lane – Going to be done within this financial year.
•Parkeston Road – Installation of Zebra Crossing – Completed.
•Low Road Speed Survey – Local Highways Panel will not be taking this any further as traffic calming measures along this road would be a major scheme at a considerable cost and therefore outside of the LHP’s remit/budget/responsibility.
•High Street/Kingsway – Still In validation. Speed and volume surveys due to be done shortly.
E40/20SITING OF BENCH – ESPLANADE HALL
Following the renovation of Esplanade Hall, Cllr Todd suggested that they may benefit from a seating or picnic bench as the facility starts to be used by the local community. The church has advised that a memorial bench is due to be installed but they would welcome addition seating.
RESOLVED: Clerk to investigate cost, approvals and installation. Budget of £500 agreed to be expended from the Environmental projects budget.
E41/20MATTERS RECEIVED IN THE POST OR ITEMS RAISED BY MEMBERS
None
E42/20DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Environment & Community Committee is at 7pm,
on a date to be confirmed.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.10pm
CHAIRMAN DATE