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Dates of future meetings of Charter Trustees.
Monday 17th September 2007
Monday 14th January 2008
Monday 17th March 2008
Monday 19th May 2008 AGM and Mayor Making
All take place at 7:00 at Albion House. All Ramsgate residents are welcome, and anyone wishing to speak should contact the Mayor's secretary.


Minutes of the Meeting held in the Council Chamber, Albion House, Ramsgate on Monday 14th May 2007.

PRESENT: Councillor Steve Ward (Town Mayor)
Councillors Campbell, Mrs Dark, Mrs Fenner, Ms Gideon, David Green, Mrs Green, Miss Harker, Mrs Kirby, John Kirby, Mrs Nicholson, Richard Nicholson, Poole, Mrs Rogers and Taylor.
Mr E Jenner (Hon. Town Clerk) and Ms J Dale (RFO/Mayor’s PA) in attendance.

The Mayor welcomed the new Charter Trustees

1. APOLOGIES
Apologies were received on behalf of Councillor Nottingham.

2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Proposed by Councillor David Green, seconded by Councillor Richard Nicholson and APPROVED, the Minutes of the Meeting held on 19th March 2007, were signed by the Chairman as a true record.

3. MATTERS ARISING
Councillor Liz Green asked if there was any news regarding the wheelchairs. The RFO replied that she had received a telephone call from Mr. Shorter and agreed that the cheque would be presented when the wheelchairs were ready for service.

4. TOWN MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENT
The Mayor reported that he had attended Gloria Gill’s funeral and had joined the Mayor of Rye in cycling to Pegwell. He was holding a charity event on board the Grand Turk on Saturday 19th May and would be greeting roadrunners from Conflans-Sainte-Honorine on Sunday 20th May.

5. FINANCE
a) Approval of Expenditure Account April 2007. Appendix A
Proposed by Councillor David Green, seconded by Councillor Campbell and APPROVED.
b) Contribution to Cinque Ports Leaflet
The Mayor explained that the Cinque Ports leaflet needed to be updated and re-printed. Proposed by Councillor John Kirby, seconded by Councillor Liz Green and AGREED that up to £350 be contributed.

6. ALBION HOUSE
The Mayor reported that he had shown Jocelyn McCarthy and an associate around Albion House. Councillor John Kirby explained that the associate was an expert in setting up trusts. The group were very slow in forming a trust and the building was now falling into disrepair. The question of security was also raised as there was a broken window on the stairs and youngsters had been seen on the roof. Councillor John Kirby had spoken with Brian White regarding the building. It was agreed the RFO seek police advice regarding security.
It was agreed the portrait of John Kennard be hung in the Council Chamber and Mr and Mrs Thomas (who had kindly donated the painting) should be invited.

7. FLAG POLE
The Mayor reported the cleats were now ready and he would attach them ready for the Fire Brigade to replace the halyard. He hoped the new flag would be flown for Mayor Making on 4th June 2007.

8. PUBLIC SPEAKING
A discussion took place regarding the lack of public interest. Councillor Jill Kirby suggested the dates of the meetings should be published on the website. The RFO said notices had previously been posted in the windows of RTP, the VIC, the Mayor’s Parlour and on the notice board outside Albion House. Councillor David Green suggested the agendas, minutes and the Ramsgate Fund should be published.

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Free Publicity. The Mayor circulated the article published in an edition of the London Evening Standard. It was agreed a letter of thanks be sent to Dale Bradley.
Mayoral Allowance. It was agreed a working party consisting of Councillors Jill Kirby, Richard Nicholson and Peter Campbell be set up to discuss this.
ERA Event. Councillor David Green informed the meeting that there was an event at the East Cliff Bandstand on Saturday 26th May.

10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 2nd July 2007 at 7.00 p.m. on the Council Chamber, Albion House.

The meeting closed at 7.44 p.m.

THE RAMSGATE FUND

3 applications had been received. Appendix B.

South East Steering Group – deferred for further information and charity status.
Dumpton Youth Project - £1,200 agreed.
Christian Housing Trust – refused.


Minutes of a Meeting held in the Council Chamber, Albion House, Ramsgate on Monday 18th September 2006.

PRESENT:     Councillor Steve Ward (Town Mayor),
Councillors Mrs. Dark, David Green, Mrs. E. Green, Mrs. B. Nicholson, Richard Nicholson and Poole.
Ms. J. Dale (Mayor's PA/RFO)

4 members of public were in attendance.

1. APOLOGIES
     Apologies were received on behalf of Councillors Jill and John Kirby.

2. MONTEFIORE SITE
     Paul Verrall, Parks Manager at Thanet District Council, gave a detailed presentation regarding the current site. He hoped to pass this over to the Charter Trustees on a long term lease - possibly 99 years, together with approximately £35,000 for maintenance over the next decade and formally approached the Charter Trustees with this offer. After discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Richard Nicholson, seconded by Councillor Alan Poole and AGREED to accept the land on behalf of the town, subject to a satisfactory lease agreement, but to also consult with other organisations and arrange a site visit.
     Mr. Verrall raised the question of public liability insurance, particularly for the boundary walls etc. It might be possible for the Montefiore Action Project group to have insurance cover or possibly include it in the lease from TDC. Councillor Poole also raised the question of the closure of the gate, which may be the subject of a public enquiry. However as the land where it is sited is no longer owned by the GP Surgeries, it may no longer be problematic.

3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
     Proposed by Councillor Richard Nicholson, seconded by Councillor Mrs. Kay Dark and APPROVED, the Minutes of the Meeting held on 26th June 2006 were signed by the Chairman as a true record.

4. MATTERS ARISING
     Banners. Following a question from Councillor Richard Nicholson, the RFO confirmed that she had been advised the banners could not be displayed at the Royal Harbour due to a health and safety issue.

5. TOWN MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
     The Mayor confirmed he had presented the cheques to the two Scouts who had promised to make a further presentation to the Charter Trustees following their experiences at the Jamboree in 2007.

6. FINANCE
a)     Approval of Expenditure Account July to August 2006. Appendix A. The RFO answered a question from Councillor Richard Nicholson regarding the additional premium for the Civic Parade. Proposed by Councillor Richard Nicholson, seconded by Councillor Mrs. Dark and APPROVED.
b)     Contribution - Confederation of Cinque Ports Event. The Mayor explained the request from Rye Town Services to contribute £350 towards a Cinque Ports advertisement in the 2007 publication 'The Guide to Taking Part'. Proposed by Councillor Richard Nicholson, seconded by Councillor Mrs. Green and AGREED with 1 against, that the Charter Trustees do not participate.
c)     Valuation. The RFO reported that she now had an updated valuation for civic insignia, cups and trophies plus other items, which left them underinsured on the recent insurance renewal. Proposed by Councillor Richard Nicholson, seconded by Councillor Mrs. Green and AGREED, that the RFO contact Zurich Insurance to advise them of the new valuation.

7. ALBION HOUSE AND COUNCIL CHAMBER
     The roof outside the office had continued to leak; the wallpaper had peeled off and fungus was now growing between the ceiling and wall. The Mayor would table a question at the full Council Meeting on 21st September and subject to the answer, it was suggested the lease might be obtained from Thanet District Council. Members expressed their concerns at the condition of the building and what action should be taken - further advice should be sought.

8. FLAG POLE AND RAILINGS
     A letter had been received from Eastcliff Residents' Association expressing concern about fencing. The Mayor suggested new cleats further up the flagpole should be fitted instead. Councillor David Green asked for a list of flag flying days to be circulated - the Mayor agreed to do this. The new town flag and Mayor's car pennant were on display.

9. PUBLIC SPEAKING
     Members of the public had left after the Montefiore Site presentation. It was felt meetings needed to be publicised again. The Mayor would speak to Kathy Bailes at the local press office.

10. MAYOR'S DRIVER/ATTENDANT/TOWN SERGEANT
     The Mayor reported that Martin Parrock had left unexpectedly. Six applications had been received. It was decided that the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor Mrs. Green form an interviewing panel together with Councillor Ms. Gideon if willing.

11. SECRETARY/RESPONSIBLE FINANCE OFFICER'S SALARY
     The Mayor's PA/RFO left the meeting. On rejoining the meeting, she was advised that her salary would be graded at TG4 at the lowest rate of £15,535 backdated to 1st April 2006. The RFO expressed her disappointment that after 10 years of service she was put on only the starting rate and not a comparable salary. The Charter Trustees offered no explanation.

12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
     Discussion took place regarding the petition to 'parish' Ramsgate and actions to be considered.

13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
     Monday 22nd January 2007 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Albion House, Ramsgate. This would be a budget meeting.

THE RAMSGATE FUND

5 new applications had been received with 1 previous application to be reconsidered. Appendix B

In Touch Home Improvement Agency - refused. To be advised 'due to information we have at the present time, we are unable to support this application'.
Performing Arts in Ramsgate - £1,500 agreed.
Ramsgate 4th West Rainbow Unit - £1,000 agreed.
Ramsgate Town Partnership - agreed up to £5,000 provided match funded.
R.N.L.I. - £500 agreed.
Ellington School for Girls - £2,500 agreed with 1 against.

The meeting closed at 9.08 p.m.


Minutes of a Meeting held in the Council Chamber, Albion House, Ramsgate on Monday 26th June 2006

PRESENT:     Councillor Steve Ward (Town Mayor),
Councillors Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Dark, Ms. Gideon, David Green, Gregory, Hart, Mrs. Nicholson, Richard Nicholson and Poole.
Mr. E. Jenner (Hon. Town Clerk) and Ms. J. Dale (Mayor's PA/RFO)

2 members of press and public were in attendance.

1. APOLOGIES
     Apologies were received on behalf of Councillors Jill and John Kirby, Michelle Fenner and Laura Higgs.

2. LITTER CAMPAIGN
     Lucy Tuson and Sara Thompson gave an interesting presentation on the forthcoming litter campaign to be launched throughout Thanet on 19th July 2006. Banners would be placed in prominent positions to encourage people to keep Thanet tidy. It was proposed that enforcement and £50 fines for dropping litter would be introduced.

3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
     Proposed by Councillor Hart, seconded by Councillor Mrs. Cook and APPROVED, the Minutes of the Meeting held on 27th March 2006 were signed by the Chairman as a true record.

4. MATTERS ARISING
     Two-way Radio. In response to a question from Councillor Mrs. Nicholson, the Mayor's PA confirmed that for emergency use she carried the radio with her when going down to the basement.
     Twinning Signs. The RFO reported that signs were now in position on the Ramsgate/Hereson Road at Dumpton and Canterbury Road East. The 3rd sign would be erected at Westwood when work had been completed. The Cinque Ports signs were still awaited due to the inferior quality of the metal, which had been returned to the supplier.
     Freemen. The Mayor reported that it was no longer possible to make anyone a Freeman of the town, but he was hopeful that a High Sheriff's award could be obtained if needed. Proposed by Councillor Hart, seconded by Councillor Richard Nicholson and carried with 1 abstention, that Patrick Doyle JP should be put forward for such an award. The Mayor would make the necessary enquiries.

5. TOWN MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
     The Mayor reported on his two recent trips to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine. He hoped the Charter Trustees would support the Civic Service and Parade on Sunday 30th July and the Ramsgate Carnival later in the afternoon.

6. FINANCE
a)     Approval of Income & Expenditure Account Year Ending 31st March 2006. Appendix A Proposed by Councillor Richard Nicholson, seconded by Councillor Gregory and APPROVED. Councillor Gregory asked if the Ramsgate Fund 'brought forward' balance could be shown separately in future.
b)     Approval of Expenditure Account April to June 2006. Appendix B. Proposed by Councillor Gregory, seconded by Councillor Hart and APPROVED.
c)     Stock of Gifts. Charter Trustees were shown samples of items purchased and the RFO gave a breakdown of costs. Ladies scarves were still awaited due to a disagreement over additional costs. Councillor Ms. Gideon asked what gifts had previously been given and suggested badges with the town crest should be purchased.
d)     Town Flag and Car Pennant. These should arrive with the next two days, the delay had been due to the complexity and size of the town flag.
e)     Cadet Badges. The Mayor reported that six 'Mayor's Cadet' badges had been purchased and requested that they be paid for from the Charter Trustee Account. Proposed by Councillor Hart, seconded by Councillor Richard Nicholson and AGREED

12. FINANCIAL SUPPORT - this item on the agenda was brought forward at the request of the Chairman.
     Aaron Rampling and Karina McMaster, assisted by two other Scouts, gave a visual and verbal presentation regarding their request for sponsorship to attend the 21st World Jamboree in 2007 at Chelmsford. Proposed by Councillor Richard Nicholson, seconded by Councillor Gregory and agreed they each be given £1,000 from the Ramsgate Fund to attend. It was requested that they give a further presentation to the Charter Trustees on their return.
     Sam Morgan of VSU Youth in Action also gave a presentation and explanation on the work of the volunteer agency. Proposed by Councillor Poole, seconded by Councillor Hart and agreed that £1,250 be awarded from the Ramsgate Fund to enable VSU to continue its work with young people in Ramsgate. Councillors' details to be sent to VSU to keep them informed of the project.

7. ALBION HOUSE
     There was no further update on the situation. Repairs were needed to the leaking flat roof and part of the electrical system.

8. FLAG POLE AND RAILINGS
     The Mayor reported that the original design of the railings was unacceptable to Thanet District Council's Conservation Department. Another design was awaited and no flags would be flown on a permanent basis until the railings were in place as the halyard had already been cut on the first occasion a flag had been flown. It was anticipated that railings would cost approximately £1,000 and that it might be possible to obtain a donation from the Heritage Renewal Scheme.

9. PUBLIC SPEAKING
     The RFO reported that she had posted notices at Albion House and in the town, advertising the meeting but there had been no response.

10. SECRETARY/RESPONSIBLE FINANCE OFFICER'S SALARY
     The Mayor's PA/RFO handed out copies of her job analysis together with the TDC salary grades and gave a short presentation to the Charter Trustees. It was decided to make this the final item for discussion at the meeting.

11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
     Following an introduction by Councillor Poole, a lengthy discussion took place regarding the Montefiore Wood site and surrounding area and to its future management. Councillor Hart agreed to bring further information to the next meeting. The Mayor's PA to write to Paul Verrall to invite him to give a report at the next meeting of the Charter Trustees in September 2006.

13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
     Monday 18th September at 7 pm in the Council Chamber, Albion House, Ramsgate.

THE RAMSGATE FUND

3 new applications had been received. Appendix C.

Dame Janet Junior School Cheerleading Squad - £400 agreed but point out to them that the fund is not intended to be used for running costs. The Charter Trustees require details of their fund-raising efforts and how the money is spent should further funding be requested, however it was unlikely the Charter Trustees would award a further grant.
Ramsgate Charter Trustees - decided that the costs of flags to be paid from the General Fund.
In Touch Home Improvement Agency - deferred. The Charter Trustees require further information regarding the company's status; how many gardens could be serviced for the money and do residents have to pay for the service. Also point out the fund is only for the benefits of Ramsgate people.

10. SALARY - as previous
     Janet Dale left the meeting for the matter to be decided. The meeting ended without her being recalled and she was subsequently told the matter would be discussed by a working party.


Minutes of a Meeting held in the Council Chamber, Albion House, Ramsgate on Monday 27th March 2006

PRESENT:     Councillor S. Ward (Town Mayor)
Councillors Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Dark, Mrs. Fenner, David Green, Mrs. E. Green, Hart, Miss Higgs, Mrs. B. Nicholson, Richard Nicholson and Poole.
Mr E. Jenner (Honorary Town Clerk) and Ms. J. Dale (Responsible Finance Officer/ Mayor's PA)

3 members of press and public were in attendance.

1. APOLOGIES
     Apologies were received on behalf of Councillors Jill and John Kirby, Gregory, Mrs. Booth and Mrs. Gore.

2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
     Proposed by Councillor Hart, seconded by Councillor Mrs. Fenner and APPROVED, the Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 16th January 2006 were signed by the Chairman as a true record.

3. MATTERS ARISING
     Twinning Signs. The RFO reported that KCC Highways required the addition of the Invicta Horse to the signs.
     Euro Disney. The Mayor reported on the competition.
     F/O Grice & Crew. The RFO reported only £200 had been needed. The Mayor stated there had been a suggestion to move the memorial to Manston.
     Lone Working. A 2-way radio with links to town centre shops had been leased for 6 months.

4. TOWN MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
     The Mayor reported that the new 'Trafalgar' flagpole would be erected at Wellington Crescent on Wednesday morning, 29th March.

5. FINANCE
(a)     Approval of Expenditure Account - January to March 2006. Proposed by Councillor Hart, seconded by Councillor Mrs. Fenner the Expenditure Account 1st January to 31st March 2006 was APPROVED. Appendix A.
(b)     Stock of Gifts. The Mayor reported that new ties and a supply of ladies scarves had been ordered. He asked if small and cheaper gifts could be purchased i.e. pens, umbrellas etc. Proposed by Councillor Richard Nicholson, seconded by Councillor Hart and AGREED.
(c)     Letters Requesting Financial Support. The Mayor read out letters from Karina McMaster and Aaron Rampling, who were both Explorer Scouts, requesting financial help to attend the 21st World Jamboree in 2007. Members decided they should be asked to attend the next meeting of the Charter Trustees to speak about the scheme and sponsorship. The Mayor's PA to send letter inviting them to the June meeting.
(d)     Flags and Car Pennant. The Mayor gave details of the two options for a new town flag. It was decided to accept Option 1 depicting the full Town Crest at a cost of £1,195 + VAT + £10 delivery charge. Councillor Mrs. Nicholson to apply to the Ramsgate Fund for payment. The Mayor also gave details of the new car pennant. Proposed by Councillor Hart, seconded by Councillor Mrs. Nicholson and AGREED to accept Option 1 depicting the full Town Crest at a cost of £195 + VAT + £10 delivery charge.
(e)     Radio. A 2-way radio had been leased at a cost of £183.20 + VAT for 6 months.

6. ALBION HOUSE & COUNCIL CHAMBER
     An invitation had been received from Thanet District Council offering 1 reserved seat at the forthcoming meetings. This was not accepted as the Charter Trustees would be attending as Ramsgate Ward Councillors.

7. FLAG POLE & RAILING
     The Mayor reported that because of the exposed location of the flag pole, the engineers had recommended stainless steel as opposed to galvanised steel at an additional cost of £500 + VAT, with subsoil conditions and health and safety issues costing an additional £300. The total cost would therefore be £5,600 + VAT. He had also spoken to Paul Verrall regarding the erection of railings around the site.

8. PUBLIC SPEAKING
     There were no members of the public in attendance. It was suggested the June meeting should be publicised.

9. MAYOR'S DRIVER/ATTENDENT/TOWN SERGEANT.
     The Mayor commented on Martin Parrock's probationary period. A full Contract of Employment would now be offered to Mr. Parrock and a new driver's uniform would be supplied.

10. SECRETARY/RESPONSIBLE FINANCE OFFICER'S SALARY
     No reply had been received from Thanet District Council HR Department.

11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
     Freemen. Councillor Hart suggested Patrick Doyle JP be made a Freeman of Ramsgate. The Mayor would ascertain if this honour could now be bestowed as it had been revoked some years ago. A lengthy discussion took place regarding honouring various people in different capacities and it was felt more thought should go into this and the criteria clearly defined before any decision could be made. The Mayor said he may propose 2433 (Ramsgate) Squadron Air Training Corps for a Try Angle Award.

12. DATE
     The Annual General Meeting and Mayor Making will take place in the Council Chamber at Albion House on Monday 22nd May 2006 at 6.30 p.m.
     The next meeting of Charter Trustees will take place in the Council Chamber, Albion House on Monday 26th June 2006 at 7.00 p.m.

     The meeting closed at 8.05 p.m.

THE RAMSGATE FUND

6 new applications had been received. Appendix B

The RFO reported that Fegans Child and Family Centre had sent in revised estimates totalling £8545.27 as opposed to the original estimate of £12,000. It was agreed to underwrite the revised project up to £5,000 - the amount previously agreed.

Eastcliff Residents' Association - £3,000 agreed but should not be paid until the event was organised and other funding was in place.
14th Ramsgate (West) Girl Guides - £1,000 agreed.
9th Ramsgate West Brownies - £300 agreed.
VSU Youth in Action - deferred, applicants asked to attend June meeting to clarify funding.
Newington Community Association Ltd - £300 agreed
Ramsgate Café Society - £260 agreed.


Minutes of a Meeting held in the Council Chamber, Albion House, Ramsgate on Monday 16th January 2006

PRESENT:     Councillor S. Ward (Town Mayor)
Councillors Mrs. Dark, Mrs. Fenner, David Green, Mrs. E. Green, Gregory, Miss Higgs, Mrs. Kirby, John Kirby, Mrs. Nicholson, Richard Nicholson and Poole.
Ms. J. Dale (Responsible Finance Officer/Mayor's PA)

2 members of press and public were in attendance.

The Mayor asked all those present to stand for a moment's silence in respect of the Late Betty Barber, Mayor of Ramsgate 1995.

1. APOLOGIES
     Apologies were received on behalf of Councillors Mrs. Booth, Mrs. Cook and Hart.

2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
     Proposed by Councillor Mrs. Dark, seconded by Councillor John Kirby and APPROVED, the Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 19th September 2005 were signed by the Chairman as a true record.

3. MATTERS ARISING
     Bench Covering. Proposed by Councillor John Kirby, seconded by Councillor Gregory and agreed, the estimate of £195 + VAT from Kent Furnishers for repairs to the desktop and the mayoral chair be accepted.
     Twinning Signs. The RFO showed samples of the signs together with options for the Cinque Ports signs. It was agreed the Cinque Ports signs should be separate and sited below the new twinning signs as now.

4. TOWN MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
     The Mayor reported that Ramsgate had been represented at the New Year Parade in London and leaflets promoting the town had been distributed.
     He would be travelling to Chimay for a working weekend 21st/22nd January and then on to Euro Disney where Miss Ramsgate was taking part in the Euro Region Beauty Queen competition. Leaflets would also be distributed there.

5. FINANCE
(a)     Approval of Expenditure Account October to December 2005. Proposed by Councillor Richard Nicholson, seconded by Councillor John Kirby, the Expenditure Account 1st October to 31st December 2005 was APPROVED. Appendix A.
(b)     This item to be discussed at the end of the meeting.
(c)     F/O Grice and Crew - New War Memorial. An estimate of £1,187.93 had been received. Councillor John Kirby reported that he had given £500 towards the project. It was therefore agreed that the previously agreed donation of £250 should stand.
(d)     Benches - Screaming Alley. After discussion, it was agreed Thanet District Council should be approached first to ascertain if there were plans to replace the benches when work on The Grange was completed.
(e)     Internal Audit. The RFO read the Certified Report from Dudley Gore & Co.

6. ALBION HOUSE and COUNCIL CHAMBER
     This matter was on the forthcoming TDC Cabinet Agenda, but would then be put out to public consultation. Only 3 options were being considered (i) to sell off the whole building; (ii) to sell off floors 1, 2 and 3, leaving the ground floor and basement; (iii) to sell off floors 1, 2 and 3, part of the ground floor and part of the basement. After discussion, it was agreed the previous decision of the Charter Trustees, as per Minutes 19th September 2005, should stand.

7. FLAGPOLE
     The Mayor had received a quotation of £4,800 + VAT to supply and erect a 60ft glass fibre, fully rigged flagpole. The Mayor to contact interested parties to ask if they would contribute towards the cost.

8. MAYOR'S DRIVER/ATTENDANT/TOWN SERGEANT
     Martin Parrock aged 61 had commenced employment on 1st January 2006 on a 3 months trial period.

9. LONE WORKING
     The Mayor reported he was contacting Age Concern regarding a personal alarm system.

10. PUBLIC SPEAKING AT CHARTER TRUSTEE MEETINGS
     A lengthy discussion took place regarding the format of this proposal, whether written applications were needed or whether people could speak on the night and, if so, for how long. Various suggestions were put forward and it was agreed that Charter Trustees should submit their proposals to Janet Dale. They would be collated and put forward at the next Charter Trustee meeting for a decision. It might be necessary to have a trial period to find out which format works best. Councillor Jill Kirby also suggested more effort should be made to publicise the grants available from the Ramsgate Fund and give notice of the next Charter Trustee Meeting and public speaking.

11. TOWN/PARISH COUNCIL/SUBMISSION
     Councillors Gregory, Ward, John Kirby, Mrs. Kirby, Mrs. Green and Richard Nicholson declared an interest. Following discussion, it was agreed the Submission (Appendix B) should be sent to Thanet District Council for consideration by the Council's Electoral Matters Working Party.

12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
     (a) Town Trail/Map. It was agreed to investigate the costs of such boards and report back to the next meeting. Assistance should be sought from Thanet District Council, the Ramsgate Society and South East Tourist Board.

13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
     Monday 27th March 2006 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber, followed by the Mayor's Request Meeting.

THE RAMSGATE FUND

7 applications had been received. Appendix C.

Councillor Richard Nicholson stated that applications should not be accepted without financial statements.

Thanet Youth Cricket - £1,440 agreed but point out to them that the fund is for Ramsgate people only.
T.A.D.S.A.D. - £1,944 agreed.
Ramsgate Esplanade Bowls Club - £1,320 agreed but request financial statement of event.
1st Thanet Baden-Powell Scouts (Newington Free Church) - £1,000 agreed.
The Little Angels Group - £983 agreed.
Fegans Child and Family Care - £5,000 agreed.
Newington Nursery and Infant School - need to clarify rules on the breakfast club, but felt it should be funded by KCC. Defer, subject to new application.

Members of the public and press left the Council Chamber.

12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
     (b) Salary. The Mayor's PA/RFO left the meeting whilst a request for an increase in her salary took place. Janet Dale rejoined the meeting.

5. FINANCE
(b)     Approval of Budget 2006/07. The estimated Budget had previously been circulated. The Mayor's PA/RFO's basic salary would be £14,620; £42,355 would be allocated to the Ramsgate Fund with £59,993 for estimated expenditure - a total Precept requirement of £102,348. Proposed by Councillor Richard Nicholson, seconded by Councillor John Kirby and APPROVED. Appendix D.


The meeting closed at 8.36 p.m.


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