MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10th FEBRUARY 2003. (copy attached).

MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF STANDING COMMITTEES. (copies attached).
a) Finance & Policy - 10th February 2003
b) Planning             - 10th February 2003

PAYMENTS OF ACCOUNTS MADE IN FEBRUARY AND STATEMENT OF BALANCES AS AT 28TH FEBRUARY 2003. (copy to follow).

AFFORDABLE HOUSING (Jo Barrett, Principal Housing Officer, ECDC will attend for this item.)

J L Wignall
Clerk of the Council
3rd March 2003 

Councillor D Bradley
District Councillor JH Humphreys

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.

Policing Strategies (02/02)
PC Kevin Humble stated that reports that Soham would be getting a fourth Community Beat Officer were unfounded. Presently there are two CBO’s on active duty with the third being on station based duties following surgery.
NOTED that during the period 13th 2003 to 10th February 2003, 45 crimes were reported in the Soham area, of those 45 crimes 7 were actually committed during April 2002 and only came to light following an investigation by CID into the theft of a cheque book. The suspect for these offences had been charged.
There were no burglaries reported in the last month, that includes residential, commercial or shed/garage break-ins.
Of the crimes reported, there were 13 offences that appear to involve violence, not all offences involve physical violence, some involved verbal abuse, 6 were recorded as actual bodily harm, 5 involved family disputes and 1 involved school children pushing and kicking, 5 were of a verbal nature between families or neighbours and 2 involved fighting/scuffling between parties.
PC Humble was also asked about reports of increased unsociable behaviour taking place in Berrycroft. He assured Councillors that the police were constantly monitoring the situation, but needed to apprehend someone actually breaking the law before any positive action could be taken, also contrary to belief it did not appear to be the same group of youths which congregated in Fountain Lane Car Park prior to its closure, but were mostly 12 to 16 year olds from the local vicinity.

Soham Town Forum Business Plan and Future Developments (06/03)
Councillor Mrs PA Tuite disclosed a non-prejudicial interest in accordance with part two of the Code of Conduct in respect of this item.
RESOLVED that Soham Town Council fully support the Soham Town Forum initiative in striving to bring Broadband access into Soham and add their support to Soham Town Forum’s entry to the East of England Development Agencies ‘Connecting Communities Competition’.

MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF STANDARD COMMITTEES
RESOLVED that the minutes of the following committees, which are printed and attached to these minutes be confirmed and approved and the recommendations contained therein be adopted:
Finance & Policy - 13th January 2003
Planning             - 13th January 2003

PAYMENTS AND SCHEDULE OF ACCOUNTS - JANUARY 2003
RESOLVED that the schedule of payments and statement of balances, as at 31st January 2003, and Summary of Income and Expenditure as at 30th January 2003 which are printed and attached to these minutes as appendices, be confirmed and approved.

ECDC PILOT SCHEME - DOG FOULING BINS
NOTED that East Cambridgeshire District Council were initiating a Pilot Scheme in the area, whereby if Parish/Town Councils purchase the types of bin recommended within the scheme, these will currently be emptied with no charge to the Town Council, although this situation may be subject to change in the future.
NOTED also that provided six or more bins are purchased by the Town Council then East Cambridgeshire District Council will supply two further bins free of charge.
RESOLVED to participate in the scheme and to purchase ten bins, these along with the two supplied by the District Council, to be erected in various locations throughout the Town.

SOHAM TOWN COUNCIL/SOHAM TOWN FORUM EASTER FAYRE
Councillor Mrs PA Tuite disclosed a non-prejudicial interest in accordance with part two of the Code of Conduct in respect of this item.
The Council RESOLVED to work in partnership with Soham Town Forum towards an ‘Easter Fayre’ or ‘Spring Fayre’ to be held at the Pavilion and Recreation Ground.
It was agreed that the Primary schools in the Town should be asked to participate in a painting competition entitled ‘Spring in Soham’ and the winners to have their pictures displayed in the newly re-furbished main hall of the Pavilion.

PAVILION REFURBISHMENT
RESOLVED that the Clerk proceed with obtaining quotations for the stripping and re-polishing of floors in the main areas of the Pavilion, following redecorating work.

BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY
NOTED a meeting is to be held on Monday 17th February at 7.30pm in the Council Chamber, ECDC to discuss an application being made to the ‘Connecting Communities Competition’ run by East of England Development Agency.
RESOLVED that Councillor Mrs PA Tuite will attend.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (PUBLIC FOOTPATH DIVERSION ORDER 2003)
Confirmation of diversion orders for public footpath nos. 84 and 66 were received.

APPROVED TREE WORKS
Notification was received from ECDC of approved tree works to be carried out at 7, 8 & 9 Red House Gardens, subject to Tree Preservation Order E/8/86 and also The Moat, College Close subject to Tree Preservation Order E/15/90.

ZURICH MUNICIPAL
NOTED that previously, policies have provided limited terrorism cover for material damage and business interruption, however from renewal in 2003 this automatic cover will be withdrawn from Zurich policies, in line with the approach adopted by the insurance industry.

It is hereby resolved in accordance with Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 that as publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential or special nature of the business about to be transacted it is advisable in the public interest that the public and press be temporarily excluded from this meeting and they are herewith instructed to withdraw. Meeting was closed to press and public at 8.14pm.

MEMORIAL ROSE
RESOLVED that the Town Council have no objection to the proposed name providing both families have no objection and are in agreement.

DATE OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING
NOTED that the next regular meeting of the Council would be held at 7.30pm, Monday 10th March 2003.