Minutes of Town Council Meeting held in the Town Council Office
On Wednesday 22nd September 2004 commencing 7-50 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, M Butterworth, D Grimes, D Neal
J O’Hare, D Short and J Cowley, Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance C Cllr Mrs R Ash, D Cllr G Carr-Jones and 2 electors
To receive apologies Cllrs. J Cox, M James and R Penfold
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
G Carr-Jones asked if any of the Councillors present knew anything about the possibility of an application being made to the Liveability Fund for a Youth Shelter. He was advised that R Penfold had mentioned the project.
Proposed Expenditure
All expenditure for this month normal expenses
.
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 437.56
R Sharp The Ring 55.00
R Sharp NDDC Grass 250.00
B Telecom 173.52
J Singleton 437.50
Direct Office 7.04
HLB Audit 411.25
Four Counties (Toner) 70.18
S & A Builders Inspections 70.50
BMV Pubs 13.78
S Electric 97.72
The Clerk advised that the Annual Audit for year ended 31st March 2004 has now been completed. There were no matters which required attention. The Annual Return is now presented for approval and acceptance by the Council.
It was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by M Butterworth that the Annual Return be accepted. All agreed.
Possible Provision of Bus Shelters
Reply received from DCC advising that grants are available for the provision of Bus Shelters subject to various criteria. C Cllr R Ash elaborated on the criteria and suggested that the Highways Dept., should also be approached with regard to what planning permissions etc., are required. It was agreed to look at the site during the next site visit morning.
Next Planning Agenda
Consider additional Standing Orders
Copies of the two additional standing orders proposed were provided to Councillors with alternative wordings.
Next Agenda
Possible provision of Broadband to computers
It was agreed to ask Four Counties for a quotation for making arrangements for the office computers to be connected to Broadband. Clerk will liaise with M James in this regard.
Clerk to action
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
P Ashcroft reported on the School Governors’ meeting she had attended in particular with regard to the new school proposals. Although all parties (LEA, Diocese, Governors and Developer) are keen to go ahead permission must be sought from the Dept. of Education to sell the school playing field. The present site is owned by the Diocese and the Governors and if and when a new school is built the new site will be transferred into similar ownership. The School A G M is being held on Wednesday 20th October and P Ashcroft recommended that as many Councillors as possible attend but in a private capacity. If this is in order, the TC meeting scheduled for that evening will be held on the 19th October.
D Neal reported on the Area DAPTC meeting attended by himself and J Cowley which discussed several things including Dorset’s Renewable Energy Strategy & Action Plan.
W Batty-Smith advised regarding the Bund at Woodmills and the problems therewith that the area is still owned by the Developer and the NDDC have been asked to take enforcement action to compel the Developer to bring the area up to a standard acceptable to the NDDC who will then take over the area.
D Neal advised that the remains of the fallen tree limb have been removed from the Park Wall area that is leased to the T Council. Clerk to get wall repaired.
Clerk to action
D Neal advised that Pond Close needs cutting again.
Clerk to arrange
D Neal asked if there had been any reply to the TC’s request for more regular attendance by Traffic Wardens. As the answer was No, it was agreed to write again.
Clerk to write
As no action appears to have been taken regarding the overhanging Beech trees at the entrance to Park Road, it was agreed to write again to DCC
Clerk to write
It was agreed to Contact the Devon & Dorset Regiment again regarding the proposed Freedom of the town
Clerk to write
Correspondence
Environment Agency. Invitation to annual Flood Warden Seminar on 8th October
Letter from A Brooks NDDC re. Land at Pond Close. He will be taking instructions on the TC’s request regarding allotments but in the meantime enclosed details of Section 126 of the L G A 1972 for perusal
Letter from NDDC enclosing draft statement of Licensing Policy for consultation
Acknowledgements from Mr R Walter, MP and DCC re HGVs accessing Stalbridge Weston
Letter from Mr D Diaz DCC re. Town Centre Traffic Management. Advising that a Stage 3 safety audit has been carried out. The Clerk advised that a meeting with regard the possible provision of Traffic Lights has been arranged for Thursday 30th Sept. at 9-30 with M Williams of DCC who said that he would be asking Mr Diaz to attend as well.
DAPTC Model Code of Conduct for All local government employees enclosed for consultation.
NDDC Street Closure Order for Friday 3rd December for comments. None
Rail to Trail Campaign News Sheet No. 5
Notification of meeting of Henstridge Airfield Cttee on 20th October. Given to D Neal
Reply from Rev. Ridding regarding the repairs to the Bier House. It was agreed to write to Mr Pope and give him two weeks to remove the old mowers etc.
Clerk to write
Reply from DCC Traffic Management re. HGVs accessing S Weston. He is contacting the Legal Dept regarding the implications of applying for a time restriction.
Letter from Insp. Budden re. Pilot scheme to increase community contact by way of a dedicated Special Constabulary Section Officer. Reply pointing out that we do have good contact via the Community Office visits
Clerk to write
Copy of letter from C Cllr Mrs R Ash to Mr Westwood DCC re. HGVs accessing S Weston
Letter from DCC Engineering Consultancy advising that the request for Street Lights on PF 22 Station Road to Duck Lane as been agreed but TC must advise all those affected. To be visited on next Site visit morning.
Next Planning Agenda
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
J Cowley requested a further letter be sent to DCC regarding lack of visibility at Bagber Crossroads and asking for urgent action bearing in mind that there will be additional traffic along these roads from Oct. 4th when the A357 will be closed at Lydlinch
Clerk to write
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-25 p.m.