Agenda and minutes

To receive, note and where requested, approve the reasons for apologies of absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Dawson, James, and Mayne.

Resolved that the apologies for absence be noted.

There was no Part II.

To declare any disclosable interests relating to the forthcoming items of business (if any).

There were no declaration of interests.

To receive and consider requests for dispensation (if any).

There were no dispensations.

To approve, sign and adopt the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on

Members considered the minutes of the meeting held on 6 January 2021.

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 6 January 2021 be approved and signed as a correct and accurate record.

To be deferred to the February meeting of the Town Council.

This item was deferred to the next meeting of the Council.

To receive any updates from the Town Clerk (if any).

The Town Clerk advised that he had been contacted by the Communications Manager of Network Rail’s Resilience Programme to advise that staff were inspecting the beach and Phase I seawall every other day for neoprene debris, which may have been dislodged by the waves.  They stated that they would be please to assist the Council’s application for a Seaside Award, should it be required.

To receive the Town Mayor’s announcements (if any).

The Mayor advised she would provide a report a the February Council meeting.

To receive a report from the County Councillor (if any).

Councillor John Clatworthy

1.      It was good to hear that DCC will be providing vouchers for children who are entitled to free school meals over the February half-term and 300+ pupils in Dawlish benefit.

2.      It has been confirmed to me that notwithstanding some bus services have been reduced because to reduced passenger numbers  the Route 2 service is to continue with the half-hourly service.

3.      Following complains I have received SWWA have agreed to paint the rendering on the front elevation of the pump house facing the A379 at Stutterton and confirmed that the sewer in Exeter Road has been up-graded and a storm tank has been installed in the pumping station and the flow from Secmaton Lane is now diverted direct to the pump station.

4.      Dawlish Community Transport have taken delivery of a replacement vehicle with the help of the balance from the Invest in Devon I had amounting to £4735; the Invest in Devon Fund was created from the sale of Exeter Airport.

5.      I am awaiting to hear when the MIN is expected to re-open following the recruitment initiative.

6.      The  Monitoring report at month 8 of the revenue budget estimated the overspend will be £1.9 million which is a reduction of £823kfrom month 6 and if the overspend cannot be clawed back the planned contribution to reserves will be reduced to leave a break-even position. Having said that  the projected deficit relating to special educational needs has increased by £2.6 million to £30.4 million and this will be carried forward in line with advice from  Dept of Education guidance.

7.      Finally, I have heard that traffic volumes on A roads during lockdown have reduced by 33% during the week and 50% at weekends- The Central Team at County Hall are currently looking at Dawlish regarding refreshing and repainting  junction markings and notwithstanding that the current markings at the junction of Empsons Hill and Badlake Hill do not meet intervention levels it has been agreed that the markings will be repainted in the next 4 weeks weather permitting.

The Mayor and others expressed their thanks to Cllr Clatworthy and the Devon Highways team for the newly painted road markings.

Resolved that the report be noted.

To receive reports of District Councillors (if any).

Reports would be tabled at the February Council meeting.

To receive reports of Town Councillors (if any).

Reports would be tabled at the February Council meeting.

To consider approving the small grant application received from Gatehouse School Parent, Teachers Association.

Members received and considered a grant application from Gatehouse Primary School Parent, Teachers’ Association (PTA) for £250, in respect of funding towards the purchasing of tablet computers for students undertaking home learning.

Following discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the amount awarded be £500.

Resolved that Dawlish Town Council authorise a grant of £500 to the Gatehouse Primary School PTA for the purchase of tablet computer equipment.

To consider and adopt the draft Reserves Policy, as recommended by the Finance & General Purposes Committee at its meeting on 21 January 2021.

Members considered a recommendation from the Finance & General Purposes Committee that it adopt the proposed Reserves Policy, which documented how the council managed its general reserve and earmarked reserves during the financial year and budget setting process.

Resolved that the Reserves Policy be adopted.

Council is requested to:

(a)    consider, approve and adopt the Town Council budget for the financial year 2021/22; and

(b)   issue a precept demand to the collecting authority, Teignbridge District Council

as recommended by the Finance & General Purposes Committee meeting held on 21 January 2021.

Members considered the previously circulated report of the Town Clerk following

the recommendations of the Finance & General Purposes Committee to set a budget

and precept for the 2021/22 financial year.

Members expressed their thanks to the Finance Officer for her work in helping to present the proposed budget.

Resolved that

(a)    the proposed Town Council budget of £544,660 be adopted for the 2021/22 financial year;

(b)   the level of precept for the 2021/22 financial year be set at £499,649 and transmitted to Teignbridge District Council for collection.