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’s programme, budget or policy would require ratification at the Full Council meeting held on 28^th June 2021.

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Deputy Town Clerk (adam.clapton@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 is  ...  view the full agenda text for item SC271

An apology for absence was received from Cllr R Bolger who was being substituted by Cllr R Smith.

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.

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Committee for the 2021/2022 municipal year.

It was proposed and seconded that Cllr Luci Ashbourne be elected Vice-Chair of the Committee. There being no other nominations it was:

Resolved:

That, Councillor Luci Ashbourne be elected Vice-Chair of the Committee for the 2021/2022 municipal year.

a)            To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2021

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

The Committee received the minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2021.

In response to a query regarding Min No. SC137 it was advised that there was no update in respect of trees at Pensclose  but further information would be sought from the Operations & Estates Advisor.

A member sought  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC274

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.

There was no public participation.

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

The Committee considered the report of the Communications and Community Engagement Officer updating on a number of projects.

Consideration was given to a recommendation from the Climate, Biodiversity & Planning Committee to implement a ‘Wild Witney’ competition. Members agreed it was important to build on the success of ‘No Mow May’.  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC276

To consider the report of the Venue & Events Officer.

The Committee was advised that the replacement event for Witney Carnival was progressing and the grant funding would be forwarded to the organisers soon. It was noted that the event may involve some machinery accessing The Leys so there was an element of a damage deposit in the funding.

Resolved:  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC277

To receive the report of the Operations and Estates Advisor.

The Committee received the report of the Operations & Estates Adviser advising of the outcome of the tender process for the Christmas lights.

It was noted that meetings were ongoing with the contractor and members were pleased that LED lights were to be used. It was advised that the contract was  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC278

To receive the report of the Project Officer.

The Committee received the report of the Project Officer, including an exempt appendix, outlining options for the replacement of a bus shelter at the Burwell shops.

Consideration was given to the three designs including the proposed seating options. Members expressed a preference for Option 3 and in particular because it  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC279