Agenda and minutes

There was one written public question, a copy of the question is appended to these minutes at APPENDIX A. The response was not part of the meeting but is appended to these minutes at APPENDIX B.

i. To receive any announcements from Councillor Liz Alstrom, the outgoing Town Mayor.

ii. To receive a list of engagements undertaken by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor since the last Council meeting held on Wednesday 22 March 2023 (copy attached).

Outgoing Mayor, Councillor Liz Alstrom, in the Chair

i.             a) The Mayor announced the winners of the Mayor’s charity raffle which was held to raise money for the Mayoral charities of HEALS and Wiltshire Air Ambulance. First prize of Boomtown tickets was awarded to Liam Murray, second prize of a viewing of formula 1 catered event was Richard Bennett and third prize of a necklace was Roz Starrs. The Mayor thanked all those that took part in the raffle, donated, and helped support the Mayoral ball at the end of April, the community and officers were highlighted. The total amount raised would be announced at the Mayor’s Investiture next Wednesday.

b) The Mayor noted some key members of the community were retiring from their roles, on behalf of the Council the Mayor thanked Reverend Rod Key of St. Andrew’s Church, who had supported the Council in civic events such as Remembrance Sunday and Civic Sunday for many years. The Mayor also thanked Mr. Brian Pratt, who had served as Deputy Macebearer and Macebearer for the Town Mayor, his outstanding dedication to the role was recognised and we are very grateful that he has supported the current Deputy to be able to step up into the role.

Attendees thanked them and recognised their contributions with a round of applause.

c) The Mayor noted this would be the last Council meeting for a long-standing member of the Council who would be retiring following this meeting. Thanks were given to Councillor Nina Phillips for serving as a Chippenham Town Councillor for 24 years.

Councillor Nina Phillips has been a dedicated member of the Town Council over the years and supported Councillor Andy Phillips in his former role of Town Mayor. The Mayor presented a card of thanks on behalf of staff and Councillors to thank Councillor Nina Phillips for service to the town and residents, attendees thanked Nina and marked this outstanding services to the town with a round of applause.

d) The Mayor read out the following statement:

“As my year as Mayor of Chippenham comes to a close, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my fellow councillors, the Town Council, and the people of Chippenham for entrusting me with this role. It has been an honour to represent our town and its residents, and I have been continually inspired by the dedication, passion, and commitment that I have witnessed in our community. My thanks to my fellow councillors and the Town Council Officers for your collaboration, guidance, and teamwork. It is through our combined efforts that we are able to make a positive impact and bring about meaningful change that will continue benefit our town. But above all, my heartfelt appreciation goes out to the people of Chippenham. Your kindness, generosity of spirit, that I have encountered during my tenure have been truly remarkable. Your support and encouragement have been a constant source of inspiration, and I have been proud to work alongside you to help make our  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

In accordance with Standing Order 12.1e, to elect a Chair of the Council who shall be known as Town Mayor 2023/24:

i)            Nominee: Councillor Declan Baseley, nominated by virtue of their role as Deputy Town Mayor 2022/23.

Councillor Declan Baseley was nominated by virtue of their role as Deputy Town Mayor 2022/23, this was proposed by Councillor James Bradbury  seconded by Councillor Nick Murry. With all in favour, it was;

RESOLVED that:

Councillor Declan Baseley be elected Chair of the Council, known as Town Mayor of Chippenham, for the municipal year 2023/24.

The newly elected Town Mayor will read the declaration of Acceptance of Office. The Mayor will sign the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, witnessed by the Chief Executive.

For the Elected Mayor to put on the Mayoral Chain and take the Chair.

RESOLVED that:

The Mayor read out and signed the declaration of acceptance of office, witnessed by the Chief Executive. The declaration was signed by Councillors Pete Cousins and Nick Murry.

Newly elected Mayor, Councillor Declan Baseley, in the Chair.

To receive any apologies for absence.

No apologies for absence were received.

All Members of the Town Council are reminded to declare any pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests they may have in any business of the Council, its Committees or Sub-Committees, in accordance with the latest approved Code of Conduct. Councillors are reminded to declare any dispensation granted in relation to any relevant matter.

There were no declarations of interest.

In accordance with Standing Order 12.1e, to elect a Vice Chair of the Council who shall be known as the Deputy Town Mayor, 2023/24, based upon the following nominations, submitted at least seven clear days before the meeting:

i)            Nominee: Councillor Nic Puntis,

nominated by Councillor Declan Baseley,

seconded by Councillor Robert Giles.

ii)           Nominee: Councillor Conor Melvin,

nominated by Councillor Desna Allen,

seconded by Councillor Jenny Budgell.

Councillor Nic Puntis was proposed by Councillor Declan Baseley, seconded by Councillor Robert Giles. Councillor Conor Melvin was proposed by Councillor Desna Allen, seconded by Councillor Jenny Budgell. A vote was taken and the with majority in favour of Councillor Conor Melvin, it was;

RESOLVED that:

Councillor Conor Melvin be elected Vice Chair of the Council, known as Deputy Town Mayor of Chippenham, for the municipal year 2023/24.

To receive the draft minutes of the Council meeting held on Wednesday 22 March 2023. Minutes require a proposer and seconder for approval (copy attached).

The minutes from the meeting held on 22 March 2023 were proposed by Councillor Desna Allen, seconded by Councillor Liz Alstrom and with all in favour, it was;

RESOLVED that:

The minutes from the meeting held on 22 March 2023 were approved as a correct record and were signed by the Chair.

The Chair invites all Councillors to raise any queries or questions on the work being undertaken by Committees, purely for information only. To receive the following:

a.       Planning, Environment & Transport Committee

The draft minutes of the meetings held on 09 March, 30 March and 20 April 2023 (previously circulated).

b.       Strategy and Resources Committee

The draft minutes of the meeting held on 05 April 2023 (previously circulated).

a.       Planning, Environment & Transport     Committee

The draft minutes of the meetings held on 09 March, 30 March, and 20 April 2023 were presented by Councillor Gemma Grimes with all matters resolved.

b.       Strategy and Resources Committee

The draft minutes of the meeting held on 05 April 2023 were presented by Councillor Desna Allen with all matters resolved.

To receive the notes from the Community Safety Forum meeting held on Tuesday 14 March 2023 for information only (previously circulated).

RESOLVED that:

The notes from the Community Safety Forum meeting held on 14 March 2023 were noted.

To receive the minutes from the Youth Council meetings held on 21 March and 18 April 2023 for information only (copies attached).

RESOLVED that:

The notes from the Youth Council meetings held on 21 March and 18 April 2023 were noted.

To elect a Leader of the Council who shall be Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee.

Any nomination for Leader of the Council will be proposed, seconded and voted upon in accordance with Standing Order 12.1m viii.

The Mayor sought nominations for the position of Leader of the Council for the municipal year 2023/2024. Councillor Pete Cousins was proposed by Councillor Nick Murry and seconded by Councillor Matthew Short. Councillor Desna Allen was proposed by Councillor Jenny Budgell and seconded by Councillor Clare Cape. With no further nominations and the majority in favour of Councillor Pete Cousins, it was;

RESOLVED that:

Councillor Pete Cousins be elected Leader of the Council for the municipal year 2023/2024.

To elect a Deputy Leader of the Council who shall be Vice Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee.

Any nomination for deputy leader of the Council will be proposed, seconded and voted upon in accordance with Standing Order 12.1m ix.

The Mayor sought nominations for the position of Deputy Leader of the Council for the municipal year 2023/2024. Councillor Desna Allen was proposed by Councillor Jenny Budgell and seconded by Councillor Clare Cape. Councillor Matthew Short was proposed by Councillor David Poole and seconded by Councillor Angie Litvak-Watson. With no further nominations and the majority in favour of Councillor Matthew Short, it was;

RESOLVED that:

Councillor Matthew Short be elected Deputy Leader of the Council for the municipal year 2023/2024.

To appoint the following Standing Committees of the Town Council in accordance with Standing Order 12.1 m x:

a) Amenities, Culture and Leisure Committee (12 Cllrs)

Political balance to be achieved (SO 3.1).

b) Planning, Environment and Transport Committee (12 Cllrs)

Political balance to be achieved (SO 3.1).

c) Human Resources Committee (9 Cllrs)

Political balance not required (SO 3.1).

d) Strategy and Resources Committee (12 Cllrs)

i) To note the Leader of the Council is automatically Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee (SO 12.1m viii).

ii) To note the Deputy Leader of the Council is automatically Vice Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee (SO 12.1m ix).

iii) To note the Chair of Council (Town Mayor) is automatically appointed to the Strategy and Resources Committee (SO Appendix A 3.1c).

iv) To appoint 9 Cllrs to fill the remaining seats. Political balance to be achieved (SO 3.1).

e) Finance Sub Committee (9 Cllrs)

Political balance to be achieved (SO 3.1).

f) Council Donations Sub Committee (7 Cllrs)

Political balance to be achieved (SO 3.1)

g) Civic Matters Sub Committee (5 Cllrs)

To include the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, 3 further members are sought. Political balance to be achieved (SO 3.1).

h) Dispensations Sub Committee (5 Cllrs)

Political balance to be achieved (SO 3.1).

The Chief Executive presented the nominations that had been provided by Group Leaders in advance. Councillor names for the membership of Standing Committees and Sub Committees for the municipal year 2023/2024 were read out by the Chief Executive and voted en bloc. With all Councillors in favour, it was;

RESOLVED that:

The Councillors named below be appointed to the relevant Committee or Sub Committee for the municipal year 2023/2024:

a) Amenities, Culture and Leisure Committee

b) Planning, Environment and Transport Committee

c) Human Resources Committee

d) Strategy and Resources Committee

i) It was noted that the Leader of the Council, Councillor Pete Cousins, is automatically Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee (SO 12.1m viii).

ii) It was noted that the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Matthew Short, is automatically Vice Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee (SO 12.1m ix).

iii) It was noted that the Chair of Council (Town Mayor), Councillor Declan Baseley, is automatically appointed to the Strategy and Resources Committee (SO Appendix A 3.1c).

iv) The remaining 9 seats were filled by nominations and the full membership of the Strategy and Resources Committee be:

e) Finance Sub Committee

f) Council Donations Sub Committee

g) Civic Matters Sub Committee

h) Dispensations Sub Committee

i)             To reconstitute the following Working Parties set up by the Strategy and Resources Committee (SO 6.3).

a) Neeld Development Working Party (9 Cllrs)

Political balance not required.

b) Stanley Park Sports Ground Working Party (9 Cllrs)

Political balance not required.

c) Public Convenience Working Party (9 Cllrs)

Political balance not required.

ii)           To fill any arising vacancies and ratify existing Chair and membership of Steering Groups and Advisory Groups (SO 7.2):

a) Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

Declan Baseley, Clare Cape, Robert Giles Nick Murry (Chair), John Scragg (Vice Chair) and Matthew Short.

b) Climate and Ecological Emergency Advisory Group

Liz Alstrom, Declan Baseley, James Bradbury, Clare Cape, Nick Murry and John Scragg. Elected Mayor will be Chair.

iii)          To fill any arising vacancies and ratify existing Chair and Membership of the Community Safety Forum:

a) Community Safety Forum (3 Cllrs)

Including to nominate the Chair.

The Chief Executive presented the nominations that had been provided by Group Leaders in advance. Councillor names for the membership of Working Parties, Steering and Advisory Groups for the municipal year 2023/2024 were read out by the Chief Executive and voted en bloc. With all Councillors in favour, it was;

RESOLVED that:

The Councillors named below be appointed to the relevant Working Parties, Steering and Advisory Groups for the municipal year 2023/2024:

i) Working Parties

a) Neeld Development Working Party

It was noted that this Working Party did not need to be reconstituted.

b) Stanley Park Sports Ground Working Party

c) Public Convenience Working Party

ii) Steering and Advisory Groups

a) Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

b) Climate and Ecological Emergency Advisory Group

iii) Community Safety Forum and nomination of Chair

a) Community Safety Forum

Councillor Desna Allen was elected Chair of the Community Safety Forum.

To appoint Councillors to the relevant positions on Outside Bodies (copy of requirements attached).

The Chief Executive presented the nominations for representation on outside bodies that had been provided by Group Leaders in advance and further nominations were sought where required. Councillors voted for all nominations en bloc, with all Councillors in favour, it was;

RESOLVED that:

i) The Councillors named below be appointed to the relevant outside body for the municipal year 2023/24:

ii) Mrs Ruth Lloyd (external) and Mrs Margaret Harrison (external) be appointed as trustees to the Vicar and Churchwarden’s Charities Committee for the Parish Church of St Andrew until May 2027.

iii)The following ongoing positions were noted:

Trustee of Mrs Utterson’s Almshouses (From 01 December 2021 for 4 years until Nov 2025)

= Councillor Jenny Budgell and Mr Paul James (external).

Trustee of Chippenham Borough Lands Charity (From June 2021 for 4 years until May 2025)

= Councillor Jenny Budgell.

Chippenham Town Council resolves from 17 May 2023, until the next relevant Annual Meeting of the Council, that having met the conditions of eligibility as defined in the Localism Act 2011and SI 965 The Parish Councils (General Power of Competence) (prescribed conditions) Order 2012, to adopt the General Power of Competence.

RESOLVED that:

Chippenham Town Council resolved from 17 May 2023, until the next relevant Annual Meeting of the Council, that having met the conditions of eligibility as defined in the Localism Act 2011 and SI 965 The Parish Councils (General Power of Competence) (prescribed conditions) Order 2012, to adopt the General Power of Competence.

To consider any items for communication and any items to be consulted with the Youth Council.

Councillors requested new appointments such as the new Mayor be communicated.

The next meeting of Full Council will be held on Wednesday 21 June 2023 at 7pm.

The next meeting of Full Council will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 21 June 2023.