Minutes of Annual Town Council Meeting held in the Town Council Office
On Wednesday 5th May 2004 commencing 7-30 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, M Butterworth, J Cox, D Grimes, M James, D Neal, J O’Hare, R Penfold and J Cowley (Chairman)
D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance D Cllr. G Carr-Jones and 4 members of the public
To receive apologies None
To elect Chairman and Vice-Chairman
It was proposed by D Neal and seconded by W Batty-Smith that J Cowley be re-elected as Chairman, all agreed. J Cowley accepted with the proviso that it would be for one further year only
It was proposed by J Cowley and seconded by W Batty-Smith that J Cox be re-elected Vice-Chairman. All Agreed.
To Co-opt new Member
It was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by D Neal that Mr D Short be co-opted to the Town Council. All agreed. Mr Short signed his declaration of acceptance of office.
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.
With regard to the Beech Trees at the entrance to Park Road, J Cowley advised that he had spoken again to Mr Bastow of DCC who is still endeavouring to confirm ownership of the trees.
OPEN FORUM
Mrs Garton asked if there had been a reply from Mr Doggrell advising if a restriction on HGVs using Stalbridge Weston during the night would affect his business. The answer was no. She went on to ask what action would now be taken. The Chairman advised that this would be discussed when the meeting was re-convened.
Traffic Stalbridge Weston
As Mr Doggrell had not indicated that a ban on HGVs using Stalbridge Weston during the night it was agreed to ask C Cllr Mrs R Ash if she would instigate proceedings to ban heavy lorries from the road in Stalbridge Weston between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Clerk to contact
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Grimes that the following expenditure be approved
Four County Services £1,401.79
AlianzCornhill Insurance 1,949.19
With regard to the Insurance Premium the Clerk advised that this did cover an increased in value of the Town Council Office building, the Sports Pavilion and the Bier House but so far she had not been able to ascertain a price for re-building The Cross or the War Memorial. It was suggested that the CPRE may be able to help in this respect.
Clerk to contact
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
APM exes & extension lead 8.20
ProPrint Headed paper 51.70
R Sharp NDDC Grass & The Pound 300.00
Four County Services £1,401.79
AlianzCornhill Insurance 1,949.19
DAPTC Annual sub. 430.46
British Gas 80.56
R Sharp 55.00
Loan repayment of £6,817.05 is due on 17 th May.
Elect Planning & GP Cttee & C O Chairman & Cttee
P Ashcroft is willing to remain on this Committee. It was proposed by J Cowley and Seconded by J Cox that M Butterworth be elected. All Agreed. It was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Grimes that J O’Hare be elected. All Agreed.
Mrs I Tanner advised that she would be remaining as Chairman of the TC COC and that Mrs W Bailey and Mr P Cossington would be the Volunteer members. W Batty-Smith is Vice Chairman and it was proposed by J Cox and seconded by W Batty-Smith that D Grimes be the second TC member. All Agreed.
Appoint Footpath Officer, Tree Officer and various Representatives
Footpath Officer Mr N Brown
Tree Officer D Grimes
Internal Auditors M Butterworth and D Neal
Hall Committee M James
Playing Fields R Penfold
Youth Club J Cox
School Rep. P Ashcroft
Henstridge Airfield D Neal & R Penfold
DAPTC Area Rep. Decide before meetings
Councillors reports/questions
D Neal advised that he had attended a meeting of the Elderly Persons Forum and they hope to hold an Open meeting in July with the aim of getting many more new members. The Forum was set up to get all the various Agencies together with the public to find out what are the priority items needed by the older people in the area. When the meeting is finalised, transport with NORDCAT will be available to those wishing to attend.
J Cox advised that the Youth and Community Project is going ahead as planned and is now at the stage of applying for Lottery Funds.
J Cowley advised that negotiations are ongoing regarding a possible new Burial Ground.
The Clerk produced brochures and prices for Bus Shelters. R Penfold agreed to check with Mr Dare for a price and the Clerk will ask Henstridge PC who paid for their new Shelters.
Next Agenda
Re. Proposed Pedestrian Crossing. J Cowley is meeting Mr W Harvey of DAG and will ask for the photos of the junction to be returned and invite Mr Harvey to a meeting with the G P Cttee.
D Neal advised that the Footpath across Pond Close from Barrow Hill to Gold Street needs some attention.
Clerk to arrange
D Neal also expressed disappointment that the Planning Application for the Take Away shop in Blackmore House had been approved although the TC recommended refusal. He asked that a letter be sent to NDDC advising them of this. W Batty-Smith did point out that the Planning Committee had taken into account the T Council’s view but that the majority of the reasons given by the TC for refusal were not in fact valid planning reasons. However, it was agreed to send a letter to the Chief Executive.
Clerk to write
It was agreed to purchase a small “medal” just inscribed Stalbridge Town Council to be worn by a Councillor when attending functions etc., held by other Councils.
Clerk to arrange
Correspondence
Letter from BT advising that they will be removing two public telephone boxes.
Letter from DCC Legal Services acknowledging our letter re. Travellers Site, Landshire Lane.
And Letter from DCC in reply to ours regarding the Travellers site. And Letter from DCC Business Support giving consultation details regard possible transit sites and temporary stopping places for Gypsies and Travellers It was agreed to reiterate comments made in our letter of the 16 th April.
Clerk to write
Letter from STUR-IT, Sturminster Newton Community Learning requesting letter of support and asking for Trustees
Clerk to write
Letter from new Rural Housing Enabler at Dorset Community Action
Letter from Mr S Chandler of New Road requesting a pedestrian crossing at the bottom of Station Road. Reply to the effect that his request will be added to ongoing campaign.
Clerk to write
Letter from Crime Prevention Panel suggesting either their presence at an annual fete or a special evening event.
Notification from DCC of proposed road closure re. Landshire Lane near Gibbs Marsh Trading Estate entrance, for 2 days 8 th and 9 th May.
Letter from Devon & Dorset Regiment accepting the T C proposal to confer the Freedom of the Town on the Regiment but this will not be able to happen until 2006.
DAPTC Notification of Larger Councils meeting the May, Weymouth
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
P Ashcroft advised that there are still various containers etc., on the formerly pig sty area at the entrance to Bibbern Row. It was felt that these should be removed. Enforcement Officer to be advised.
Clerk to action
The Chairman advised that the Library in Stalbridge is looking for support to have a further computer installed for public use. It was agreed to write to the County Librarian.
Clerk to write
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-45 p.m.