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 2 August 2021.

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 SC367

Apologies for absence was received from Councillors Luci Ashbourne. Joy Aitman and Rosa Bolger

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 at this juncture.

a)            To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 7 June 2021

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

The minutes of the meeting of the committee held on 7 June 2021 were received.

An update was sought in respect of ‘Car Free Day’ and in response it was confirmed that officers were looking at participating in the campaign and would advise members of progress.

Resolved:

That the minutes  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC369

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 discuss the priorities for the Stronger Communities Committee following adoption of the Open Spaces Strategy at the Full Council meeting held on 28th June.

The Committee received details of the priorities arising from the recently adopted Open Spaces Strategy that fall within the remit of the Stronger Communities Committee.

Resolved:

That, the priorities be noted.

To consider the report of the Operations & Estates Advisor.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Operations & Estates Advisor regarding the Christmas Lights Tender and switch-on.

Clarification was given regarding the additional lighting proposed and confirmation was given that, if approved, the lights would exceed the proposed budget by £755. It was noted that the running costs  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC372

To consider the report of the Venue & Events Officer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Venues & Events Officer updating on the annual Advent Fayre hosted by the Town Council.

Recommended:

That, an Advent Fayre be held at the end of November/beginning of December based on the previous formats.

To consider the report of the Project Officer.

At this juncture the members of the Committee declared a personal non-prejudicial interest by virtue of the applicant being a Witney Town Councillor. The interest did not preclude members from participating in discussion or voting on the matter.

Consideration was given to the report of the Project Officer regarding a  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC374

To receive the report of the Projects Officer

The Committee received the report of the Project Officer regarding the use of Section 106 monies for the installation of a new bus shelter on Tower Hill.

The Committee noted the concerns of residents and the need for the design to address those issues if possible. It was noted that  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC375

To receive and consider a request to advertise the Loyal Free Business app on Town Council bus shelters. The Deputy Town Clerk will offer a verbal report on this item.

The Committee received a request from West Oxfordshire District Council seeking permission to advertise an App on bus stops in the town.

It was advised that the LoyalFree app was supporting local businesses by enabling

them to list offers or discounts on the deals section of the app for free  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC376

To receive the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer

The Committee received an update report from the Communications and Community Engagement Officer updating on a number of issues.

Members gave support to a request for additional software that would help make the Council’s output more professional.

In respect of planting for 2022 it was agreed that the Queen’s Platinum  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC377

To receive and consider a draft Communications Strategy prepared by the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

The Committee received and considered a draft Communications Strategy prepared by the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

Members were reminded that this was a live document and would be subject to regular review.

Recommended:

That, the Communications Strategy be adopted, subject to Full Council approval.

To receive the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

Consideration was given to the report of the Deputy Town Clerk seeking approval for the scheme to run as it had in the previous year, under the same criteria and timeframe, opening for applications on 1st August 2021.

Members expressed their support for the continuation of the scheme and requested  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC379

To consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

The Committee received the report of the Deputy Town Clerk updating on commemorations for those who had lost their lives to Covid-19 and for volunteers who had served the community.

It was noted that discussions with the Rotary Club had continued but no agreement on a joint project had been  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC380

To consider the report of the Venue & Events Officer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Venue & Events Officer regarding the reintroduction of a weekly tea dance in the Corn Exchange.

Members expressed their support for the events and considered that a small increase in the ticket price to £2.50 to cover costs was appropriate.

Recommended:

1.       That,  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC381