Agenda and minutes

As there was no legislation in place for the Town Council to hold virtual meetings, and because of the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic, the Stronger Communities Committee formed virtually as an Advisory Committee. Any recommendations outside of the current work programme, budget or policy would require ratification at the Full Council meeting held on 11 April 2022.

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Democratic & Legal Services Officer (democracy@witney-tc.gov.uk) prior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 30(a)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role  ...  view the full agenda text for item SC126

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ashbourne, Gwatkin and Prosser.

Councillor Duncan attended for Councillor Gwatkin

Members are reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in any items under consideration at this meeting in accordance with the Town Council’s Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest from members or officers.

a)            To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2022;

b)            Matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda. (Questions on the progress of any item).

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2022 were adopted and signed

as a correct record by the Chair.

Minute SC 30– Public Benches - The Deputy Town Clerk advised that the District Council had Advised that it had not been possible to progress the provision of public  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC128

The meeting will adjourn for this item.

Members of the public may speak for a maximum of five minutes each during the period of public participation, in line with Standing Order 42.  Matters raised shall relate to the following items on the agenda.

The Committee adjourned for this item.

Mr. Eric Marshall representing Witney Music Festival addressed the committee in respect of Agenda Item. 9 – Third Party Events.

The Committee reconvened following public participation.

The committee, at the request of the Chair, agreed to take Agenda Item No 9 before Agenda Item No 5.

To consider the report of the Venue & Events Officer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Venue & Events Officer. It was noted that in respect of the grant application by Witney Music Festival (WMF) that the decision would be made by Policy, Governance & Finance Committee but this committee could make recommendations.

In respect of free usage of The  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC130

To consider a request from a resident regarding the provision of designated benches in the town where people can sit and chat with other people about issues they may have.

Members may recall that a similar scheme was considered in 2019 following a request from Guideposts. It was resolved as  ...  view the full agenda text for item SC131

The committee considered a request for the provision of a designated bench for people to be able to sit and chat with others about issues they may have.

Members noted that a similar scheme had not been progressed due to the pandemic. It was agreed that it would be a  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC131

To consider the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer including the recommendations of the In Bloom Task & Finish Group.

The committee expressed support for continuing to participate in the In Bloom competition and to run the Wild Witney scheme and noted the positive feedback from last year’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC132

To consider the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

The committee considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

Members noted that if the council had a Tik Tok account this would be free. It was considered that the platform could be beneficial particularly when engaging with young people and in promoting climate issues. It was suggested that  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC133

To receive the minutes of the Platinum Jubilee Working Party held on 17 February 2022.

The Committee received the minutes of the Platinum Jubilee Working Party held on 17 February 2022.

Members approved the budget reallocation for the legacy project at Unterhaching Park. The committee received details of the proposed sundial to be placed on the site as part of the project.

Recommended:

That, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC134