Full Council Minutes – 27th July 2021

J Henderson, McLeod, Morrison (from 7.33pm), C Powell, Richardson, Saunders, D Smith, G Smith and Todd

None

Sergeant Moss introduced herself and her team, including PCSO Ryan Duffet and Community Safety and Engagement Officer, PC Sarah Latchford.  PCSO Duffett referred to the Essex Police engagement day on 19^th August, which involves other agency parties including the RNLI, Fire and Rescue, Teen Talk, Salvation Army and SOS Bus.  He left some flyers for the event and asked for members to promote or attend as necessary.

Cllr G Smith referred to the cars speeding around the town late at night and referenced the noise limit of 74 Db. He agreed to send some information separately to PCSO Duffett.  He also referred to the e-scooters and asked what success they’d had with tackling them.  Sergeant Moss explained that adults have had them seized but when children are caught, they are taken home and parents spoken to.  They get a warning once but a second time, they will be seized and destroyed.

Cllr Ferguson referred to similar activity as the Quay is used as a rat run for speeding cars.  Also, the e-scooters are causing a concern.

She also raised concern about cars parked along the Quay and the exchange of goods between them.

Cllr Davidson has received concerns from residents about early morning noise from particularly loud cars.

Cllr Fowler followed up on the e-scooter concerns in that it’s the school holidays and many of the users are teenagers.

Cllr J Henderson thanked PCSP Duffett for some assistance she’d previously asked for.  She asked whether, being the school holidays and the relaxation of some of the Covid rules, checks were being carried out on smaller establishments who are thought to be selling alcohol to under age customers.  Sergeant Moss is trying to engage with Trading Standards as they rely on them to tackle this as they have greater powers in this area and she’s waiting for them to provide the appropriate resources.

Cllr Calver referred to the reporting of crimes and claimed it does work, referring to an incident which was dealt with successfully and he thanked the team for that swift action.

Cllr I Henderson referred to a walk around with local officers and also thanked the team for their hard work.

There were no further comments or questions and the chairman thanked the team for attending.

The mayor referred to recent engagements attended since the last meeting, which were circulated separately to members.

• MIN 17/21 – The chairman confirmed that permission had been granted by TDC for the Talent Pathway Programme to take place at the Skate Park on 17^th August and preparations were underway for the event.  Cllr J Henderson spoke about the event and asked for support from her colleagues.

• MIN 17/21 – Cllr Todd reported on a meeting with Gary Guiver of the Planning Team at TDC on 19^th July following concerns raised over the planning permission at Harwich International Port and the impact on the former train ferry gantry.  Cllr Todd is concerned about the year’s extension on the current planning permission and between now and then Gary Guiver is going to find out the applicant’s priorities and keep HTC informed.  Within the current application is provision to remove the long arm of the TFG and also the siting of a small boat harbour.  He has a meeting of the Port Liaison Group on 29^th where he’ll try and find out more.

• MIN 25/21 – Members were informed of the successful submission of the AGAR to the external auditor, receipt of which was acknowledged on 25^th June.  All other mandatory duties have also been actioned. The clerk reported that we are now just awaiting an outcome.

• MIN 30/21 – Members were informed that a request for a meeting had been acknowledged by Mayflower Medical Centre and dates of availability are awaited.  The clerk was unable to make contact to chase.  Members proceeded to discuss various issues experienced at the surgery and Cllr Calver declared a personal interest since he has a family member who is employed the MMC.

• MIN 31/21 – Members acknowledged a letter by the Town Cryer following endorsement of the appointment by Harwich Town Council.

• MIN 26/20 – Cllr Calver provided an update on the Guildhall boundary wall remedial works following emergency stabilisation.  He confirmed that Listed Building Consent had been granted and there was no requirement on HTC to undertake a further archaeological dig to that which was carried out during the initial stabilisation works. £15k has been earmarked for the works so we’re now at the stage whereby we can obtain quotes for the works.

Members were briefed on changes to the Harwich Festival and the impact this has on their requirement for an HTC representative.  Peter Davies was happy to keep the council briefed by way of periodic written reports and attendance at council meetings twice a year.

RESOLVED: To with the current representation from HTC and to accept the offer of period written reports and occasional attendance at council meetings, to be arranged as necessary with the clerk.

• Cllr Powell reported on behalf of the local Tourism Group that following the problems with the Foot ferry in 2020, which have since been repaired, a new problem occurred with the engine recently, leaving it out of service for a few days, but it’s all back in service now.

• Cllr Todd Attended a MNWB meeting by zoom on 14^th July and reported that HTC had agreed to provide the shuttle buses for the crews of the cruise ships which are due this season.  He referred to the current pandemic and what would be permitted in terms of the crews being allowed ashore and confirmed that it’s the captain that ultimately decides.  He hoped that the council would fly the Red Ensign on 3^rd September.  The clerk confirmed we would.

•Cllr Richardson briefed members that the seal boat got marooned on a sand bank recently.

Members also considered a recommendation of the committee in relation to a grant funding application for Harwich Quay Fireworks and

RESOVLED: To accept the recommendation and award £1500 s.137

• Members noted receipt of latest report(s) issued by PCSO Ryan Duffett, for information.