Agenda and draft minutes

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Committee Clerk derek.mackenzie@witney-tc.gov.uk prior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 30(d)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary  ...  view the full agenda text for item SC36

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors T Ashby (with Councillor G Doughty) attending as a substitute, and J Aitman (with Councillor R Crouch attending as a substitute).

An apology for absence was also received from Councillor L Cherry (by previously agreed dispensation).

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  13 November 2023.

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 Stronger Communities Committee held on 13 November 2023 were received.

S607 – It was confirmed by Officers that Windrush and Tower Hill Cemeteries would be included in the communications issued to discourage dog fouling.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Stronger Communities Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC38

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 Responsible Financial Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) detailing income and expenditure for budgets which were the responsibility of the committee.

A vote was taken to approve the acceptance of the report and the management accounts, all members were in agreement.

Resolved:

That, the report  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC40

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

The Committee received the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer (C&CEO).

Members were pleased to see quotations from local companies for the printing and distribution of the four-page Spring edition of the Council’s newsletter which would be delivered to 13,661 homes in Witney.

Members asked that details of  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC41

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

The Committee received and considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer (C&CEO)

Members welcomed the inclusion of the customer satisfaction questionnaire as part of the Spring Newsletter as this is an excellent way to obtain feedback from those residents that didn’t wish to or were not able  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC42

To receive a verbal update from the meeting held earlier today.

The Committee received a verbal update from Officers following the meeting of the Working Party that had taken place earlier that day.

Members heard that council were due to purchase a lamp of peace to be used as part of the service to be held in the market square on  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC43

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 15 January 2024.

The minutes of the Youth Council Task & Finish Group meeting held on 15 January 2024 were received for consideration.

In addition to the report, Officers added that work to produce the recruitment video had commenced.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Youth Council Task & Finish Group meeting held on 15  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC44

To receive a verbal update from the Deputy Town Clerk.

The Committee received a verbal update from the Deputy Town Clerk advising that Bright Futures intended to commence in time for the February half term holidays subject to the signing of the agreement between them and the Town Council. This would then allow for the release of the initial grant  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC45

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2024.

The Committee received the notes for the Christmas Light Working Party meeting held on 17 January 2024.

Members heard further from the Head of Estates & Operations who outlined the next steps to be taken towards creating the scope of the tender so that it could be issued to prospective providers.  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC46

To receive the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer (to follow).

The Committee received the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer (C&CEO) outlining the arrangements for the 2024 Thames & Chiltern In Bloom competition.

Members unanimously agreed the Council should enter the Country Park into the 2024 competition in a hope of achieving a Gold award in its 50^{th  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC47}

To receive and consider a request for a Bus Shelter.

The Committee received correspondence from a resident requesting a bus shelter at Woodgreen.

Members considered the request and agreed the cost of installation and maintenance of a shelter at this time was not financially sound. However, consideration would be given again if suitable funds became available, possibly from a Section  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC48

To note Oxfordshire County Council’s Witney High Street Engagement Report.

The Committee received the Witney High Street and Market Square Enhancement Scheme Engagement Report produced by Oxfordshire County Council.

Members welcomed the finding of the report and looked forward to the next round of consultations and plans.

Resolved:

That, the report be noted.

To receive the report of the Venue & Events Officer.

The Committee received the report of the Venue & Events Officer which provided details of upcoming events to be held on the council’s recreation areas in 2024.

Resolved:

That, the report be noted.