Minutes of Town Council Meeting held in the Town Council Office
On Wednesday 14 th January 2004 commencing 7-41 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, M Butterworth, J Cox, D Grimes, D Neal
C Parsons, R Penfold and J Cowley Chairman
D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance D Cllr G Carr-Jones and 3 residents
To receive apologies Cllr D Gibbs
Declarations of Interest None
Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting having previously been circulated to Councillors were approved and signed by the Chairman.
OPEN FORUM No comments
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by J Cox and seconded by P Ashcroft that the following expenditure be approved
NDDC Rent Pond Close (balance due to 31.12.04) £7.91
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Grimes that the following cheques be signed
D J Hine salary 390.53
Southern Electric 86.86
NDDC 7.91
The Clerk presented Councillors with the quarterly comparison of expenditure to budget up to the 31 st December 2003.
Parish Maintenance Units
The Clerk provided a list of the roads within the Town and Councillors agreed the allocation of roads to be monitored for condition. Clerk to provide all Councillors with a list of roads that are their responsibility.
Clerk to action
Devon & Dorset Regiment – Freedom of the Town
The Chairman asked Mr N Pope to explain what is involved in this project. Mr Pope explained that the procedure was that the Town Council (if all agreed) offered the Freedom of the Town to the Regiment and then the Regiment would decide if they wished to accept. If they do, then they will make all the arrangements the only thing tha would be the T Council’s responsibility would be to provide a buffet lunch for approximately 40/50 Officers and Dignatories. Mr Pope pointed out that Stalbridge had always had men serving in the Regiment and at one time had their own Company. It was proposed by J Cox and seconded by D Neal that the Town Council offer the Devon & Dorset Regiment the Freedom of the Town. All agreed.
Clerk to write
Larks Meadow Footway/Cycleway
As Mr N Brown had explained at the last meeting it would seem that although it was agreed this path should be designated as a cycleway the barriers now erected were not suitable. The County Council adopted the part on 8 th December 2003. It was proposed by D Neal and seconded by W Batty-Smith that the DCC be requested to remedy the situation. All agreed
Clerk to write
Floodlighting the Cross
It has been suggested that The Cross be floodlit all the year round, however, there would appear to be some difficulty in achieving this. It was agreed to contact Mr K Morris the Conservation Officer at NDDC to ask for his opinion on the matter and what permissions need to be sought
Clerk to contact
Provision of signs to Playing Fields
A quotation received fromDCC Highways Dept. advising that to provide two signs at the junction of Barrow Hill and Park Grove indicating the whereabouts of the Recreation Ground would cost £364.27. They also advised that it did not seem a practical proposition to provide a sign on Post Office corner as there was no where obvious to put one. It was agreed that this was rather too expensive. Playing Field Committee to be advised.
Clerk to contact
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
Re. Homewatch. As the Homebeat Officer PC S Cannon is leaving in March, D Grimes asked if a letter could be written to Insp. Budden requesting confirmation that the monthly surgeries held in the Community Office would continue. Agreed.
Clerk to write
Correspondence
Letter from Mrs C Batten tendering her resignation from the Council as she feels that she is, at present, unable to give the commitment the post deserves, however, she is willing to be involved in the proposed Community Partnership.
Clerk to write
Letter from DCC advising that the Definitive FP Map showed FP 14 in Purse Caundle rather than Stalbridge. This will be rectified.
Letter from Mr Bryant thanking the TC for their good wishes and advising tha he is now much better.
Letter from NDDC with details of travel and subsistence allowances for Town/Parish Councillors.
Legal Topic Note from NALC regarding election of Chairman. Clerk will file with Standing Orders.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-25 p.m.