Minutes Town Council Extranordinary Meeting - 9 February 2011

Minutes Town Council Extranordinary Meeting - 9 February 2011

Last Updated (Friday, 01 April 2011 14:19) Friday, 01 April 2011 13:51

Council Business - Full Town Council Minutes

Minutes of an Extraordinary Meeting of the Okehampton Town Council held on Wednesday 9 February 2011 in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Okehampton at 7.00 pm

Members Present:   

Councillor M Morse (Town Mayor)
Councillor K Ball
Councillor Mrs K Bickley
Councillor M Davies
Councillor Dr M Ireland
Councillor A Leech
Councillor C Letchford
Councillor Mrs M McDonald
Councillor Mrs C Marsh
Councillor Mrs D Smith
Councillor P Vachon

In Attendance:   

D Bent (Town Clerk)

WDBC Councillor J Young
Reverend P Wagstaff
2 members of the public
         

485. Apologies for Absence - Apologies for absence were presented on behalf of Councillors A Raymond, D Weekes and WDBC Councillor Mrs E Hicks.

486. Redundancies - Polestar/Wiseman - The Town Mayor advised the meeting had been formally requested by the following Councillors: Leech, Bickley, McDonald, Letchford, Davies, Ball, with the following agenda item: “How the Okehampton Town Council can co-ordinate other individuals and agencies to provide assistance to those who have been made redundant within the area.”

 The Mayor referred to the co-ordinated efforts by government agencies and charitable bodies within the town to assist in this emergency, he made special reference to the Foodbank, success of the same and invited Members to discuss other options.

 Councillor Leech expressed concern there was no information forwarded to the Town Council and no official statement from this Council on its role in the crisis, further that the Council should be leading in a collective melting pot to help.  The Mayor explained the DCC/WDBC task group formed had explained, by email, on 3 February the work they were undertaking with government bodies at meetings to be held on 7 February at the factory, it was further noted Okehampton United Charity had offered to assist with funds.  Councillor Mrs Bickley referred to the meeting at Heartlands, acknowledged redundancies, the offer of practical help and acknowledged efforts to increase Jobcentre resources with extra personnel with the Borough Council undertaking similar supportive roles.  She referred to the success of the Foodbank with special thanks to the Lions Club for funds into that charity, distribution plus further support by Waitrose and Co-op and the goodwill of the town.  The Council endorsed and thanked the community for this outstanding effort.

 On the proposition of Councillor Ireland, seconded by Councillor Davies, it was resolved to suspend Standing Orders to allow discussion with members of the public.  Mr N Wonnacott, former employee of Polestar, advised many former employees had made use of the Foodbank, were grateful and offered thanks.  He explained there was bitterness towards the company as they had not been told of the financial state of the company, were not paid wages nor advised of the problem until made redundant without notification.  Reverend Wagstaff acknowledged an immense response from the community and concurred it was the role of the Council to take immediate action, identify issues and move forward both immediately and in the long term for any other future occurrences; he acknowledged Heartlands had taken the lead and wished to embrace the Town Council.  WDBC Councillor J Young wished to congratulate the Foodbank and offered his help.  Mrs Channon questioned closure of the Jobcentre, difficulties in signing on in Okehampton for people under 25 and sought assistance.  Councillor Mrs Bickley responded the Council had requested greater service and attendance at the Jobcentre in Okehampton and advised that specialist information was offered for under 25s in Exeter. 

Mr Wonnacott referred to Privet Capital who had offered to turn the business round, but failed and in response to trade unions working for members’ benefits, an affirmative answer was given.  Councillor Mrs Marsh advised unions were involved with Devon County Council/WDBC Economic Development Officers, research was being undertaken into the trading and suddenness of the collapse with the implications that might present.  She further reported a number of companies were interested in the acquisition of this business, but these were sensitive areas and urged caution on interference.  Councillor Vachon asked what help the Town Council could offer, Mr Wonnacott suggested finding other work, he also suggested that the company had many orders and the staff were ready to rejoin if the business was bought.  Councillor Vachon requested feedback, but was informed this was a delicate, sensitive situation.  Councillor Davies acknowledged other organisations in the community becoming involved, but not the Town Council and suggested a co-ordinated group for now and future be formed to allow employees and other organisations to react to such a situation, the Council to inform whoever purchased this business of the support of the community.  Reverend Wagstaff acknowledged the necessity to co-ordinate functions to avoid duplication, that function to involve expertise in all directions.  It was reported many of the employees did not live in Okehampton, further that the creation of a work club was being considered immediately and the meeting attempted to address roles they could undertake to assist in this exercise including discussion with building societies, mortgage companies, banks, Revenue and Benefits section. 

On the proposition of Councillor Mrs Bickley, seconded by Councillor Mrs Marsh, it was resolved to reinstate Standing Orders. 

On the proposition of Councillor Davies, seconded by Councillor Ball, it was resolved an emergency group be formed from representatives of the Council for this or any other emergency.  On the proposition of Councillor Mrs McDonald, seconded by Councillor Ireland, it was resolved a list of skills be established from Committee Members with the appointment of a Chair, the following Members to serve:  Councillors Leech, Davies, Bickley, McDonald, Ball.  It was noted these Members had links with other groups with the option to draw in additional assistance.  Councillor Mrs Marsh requested this Committee also examine the emergency plan as requested by government agency for Okehampton.  The agreed approach of the working group was -
 1)  to identify immediate help;
 2)  support future employment with the company;
 3)  investigate reasons for the collapse (caution was urged on this proposal).

 A number of actions/options were examined by the meeting and it was agreed the group assess work demands, priorities and address the same from their numbers.

Meeting closed 8.15 pm.

Post meeting memo - working party emergency plan to meet on Wednesday 16 February 2011 at 10.00 am in the Council Chamber.
 

___________________
Councillor M Morse
Town Mayor