Agenda and minutes

To consider and approve the minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Town held on 13 April 2022.

Resolved that the minutes of the Annual Town Meeting held on 13 April 2022 were approved and signed as a correct and accurate record.

The Mayor of Dawlish Councillor Lisa Mayne recounted the various events that had taken place in the last year and thanked all those involved and wished those standing in the upcoming elections the best of luck, and those standing down the best for the future.

Resolved that the report be noted.

Members of this committee have, as always, continued to deal with many and various matters concerning our local environment for the pleasure and well-being of our residents, both in the Town and in the wider Parish.

The general enhancement together with improvements to some of our amenities, also add to the experience of our many visitors, some of whom come here year on year partly because they feel that it keeps the feel of a traditional seaside Town.

Following the Covid pandemic there have been many delays and set-backs but the Council is now beginning to get ahead with plans including many which have been progressed by and through the Civic Amenities Committee. All matters are agreed democratically after discussion and once agreed everything is progressed by our hard-working Projects Officer Angie.

Waterfowl

We continue to maintain the famous black swans and all the lovely variety of waterfowl in the Aviary in Brunswick Place.  These are very popular with residents and visitors alike and are cared for by our Outside Services team led by Don Philips. Who has worked very hard to compensate for a shortage of staff for some time.  A new member of the O S has now joined, however DTC is still in the process of recruiting a second part -time Warden.

Generous donations continue to be made towards their upkeep and some of them have even starred on Swan Cam!

We are aware of the problem of Avian Flu which is causing the loss of so much in the wild bird population.

*The Aviary has recently been the subject of a professional survey and repairs and improvements, including a new roof, are in hand with the intention of such being carried out in the future.

*CAC has been working on the replacement of the old and failing post and wire fencing from the waterfowl enclosure up to the first bridge across the Brook from Brunswick Place. After unforeseen delays, the new fencing will be in place as soon as possible.  It matches the original District Council fencing elsewhere and will also have mesh fencing at road level to avoid the waterfowl accessing the road.

Allotments

CAC has been meeting with members of the Allotment Association over several months and working together to enhance the site both for the Plot holders and for wildlife.  This will include re-planting of the Wildlife corridors.

*Plots have now been measured and rents will be related to the size of the plots from 2024.  DTC have assisted with grants for skips to enable clearing the site.

Floral Displays

CAC continues to arrange and enable both Winter and Summer planting of the hanging baskets, tubs and the containers along the bridges.

*This year one tub was moved, very carefully, to Brunswick Place to enhance the street scene there.

We have used the same horticultural business for some years now because of the quality of the displays and the careful management of the planting.  It is to be noted that our Outside Services  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

I want to celebrate this town and the Civic and Community events that many of us attend and enjoy during the last year. I was not able to attend the last annual meeting due to ill health so will introduce myself to start with.

• I am the current Chair of the Town council Events Committee. (Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury) The events held here in the parish are steered and voted on by the Councillors on the committee, some of whom are also volunteers 
• Practical Planning and the orginazation of the events you attend is coordinated by our Events, Projects and Tourism officer Angie Weatherhead. 

 As Events committee Deputy Chair, I learnt from the best, as I worked with Cllr Terry Lowther who steered the DTC Events ship straight and true for many years. Since his passing in September 2021, it has been my privilege to to look after  the Town council Events committee and give it my best. Thank you Terry.

The last year to date has been busy with community and civic events:

• The Town council has enabled much use of the community equipment in and beyond Dawlish. (We are happy to support these community initiatives but ask for donations to our Mayoral charities.)
• An Events guide was produced in 2022 and circulated.
• Community consultation was conducted to inform future events programs and for budget setting.
• Event committee meetings have a variety of public organisations in attendance and we encourage sharing of information so all town events can be included.
• Volunteers are the life blood of this town. They are vital to help our events happen – town council volunteers are important and training was held for Chapter 8 this year to increase their level of support.
• We have given advice on holding events in the Parish and recent examples of organisations we work with are as follows: Helping Dawlish, Dawlish branch of the Royal British Legion, The Churches Together and their event Dance with David. Plus others. 
• The council also help to grow events with partnership working - eg Turn the Tide, a green event that will hold its 2nd event this summer.
• With financial support to Crashbox, Armed Forces Bikers,The Food Festival.
• With Admin support eg Dawlish Walking Festival to name a few.
• With equipment support eg The Dawlish Dog show.
• We have increased our storage facilities to accommodate equipment we have.

Some Events held 2022 (not a full list):

• Prom – Prom at the bottom of the Piazza
• Punch and Judy at the Warren
• Saturday 16th April Easter Egg Hunt on the Lawn organised by DTC and the Mayor of Dawlish
• Platinum Jubilee Celebrations 2nd to 5th June organised by DTC on the Lawn
• Armed Forces Day Parade
• Alice in wonderland -play/performance on the Lawn
• Classic vehicles on the Lawn and Strand – 17th July organised by DTC
• Brass on the Grass (on the Lawn)– 24th July 2022 organised by DTC
• Dawlish Celebrates Carnival 12th August - 18th August 2022
• Saturday 3rd September Merchant Navy Day flag  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Councillor Petherick referred to the Committee’s work over the previous year, noting the Council had supported various organisations from its grants budget, and would continue to do so where able.

In the Chair’s absence, Councillor Mawhood referred to the Committees operations over the past 12 months and detailed ongoing and upcoming works to the Manor House, particularly with reference to the dry rot discovered.

Councillor Heath as Deputy Chair of the Planning Committee informed those present of the Committee’s work over the previous year, the number of applications considered and responded to, in addition to consultation submissions on various plans and national policies.

A period of up to 1 hour will be provided for those parishioners present at the meeting to discuss parish affairs.

There was no public participation.