Minutes of Town Council Meeting held in the Town Council Office
On Wednesday 15th December 2004 commencing 7-50 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, M Butterworth, J Cox, D Grimes,
M James, D Neal, J O’Hare, D Short, and J Cowley Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance D Cllr G Carr-Jones and 2 members of the public
To receive apologies C Cllr Mrs R Ash, Cllr 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 No comments
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by J Cox that the following expenditure be approved
I Davies. Fell Laburnam tree 65.00
J Foster-Pegg Land Registry fees 135.00
The Clerk explained that some of the Town Council property was not registered at the Land Registry and Mr Foster-Pegg had advised that this was done for the sake of security.
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by J Cox and seconded by W Batty-Smith that the following cheques be signed
D J Hine £401.26
S & A Builders Maintenance 70.50
B V Pubs 15.82
Direct Office 28.17
Gartells (P F Grant) 58.75
NDDC Rent Pond Close 11.75
I Davies 65.00
B Telecom 155.12
J Foster-Pegg 135.00
Dike & Son 31.53
Provision of Broadband.
After a short discussion, during which the Chairman thanked M James for his work on the project, it was proposed by J Cowley and seconded by W Batty-Smith that Broadband be connected to the computers in the Town Clerk’s Office and the Community Office. Agreed. M James will set out for the Clerk what steps now have to be taken
M James and The Clerk
Bus Shelters
Having taken advice from Mrs M Boon of DCC it was agreed to obtain prices for a clear PVC Low Dome cantilever type shelter.
Clerk to obtain
Next Agenda
Notice Board
D Grimes pointed out that on the 23rd October 2002 it was agreed to have a Notice Board on the outside of the Town Council office provided grants could be obtained to cover the cost and he felt that it was time this decision was activated. The T C already have a £100 grant from DCC and a quotation for the supply of a board for this amount. D Grimes therefore proposed and D Short seconded that a Notice Board be fixed to the outside of the Town Council office subject to planning permission being obtained if this is necessary. Motion carried on a vote of 6 in favour.
The Clerk will liaise with the Community Office Chairman regarding the size.
Clerk to action
Make Precept
It was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by P Ashcroft that the precept on the NDDC be for £49,000 for the year 01.04.2005 to 31.03.2006. All agreed
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
D Neal reported that he had attended the Community Lunch which he felt was successful
He also attended the N Dorset DAPTC meeting which had been addressed by W Batty-Smith as Chairman of the NDDC Development Control Committee. As the subject of Parish Plans had been brought up he asked that this be put on the next Agenda.
Next Agenda
D Neal also asked why Stalbridge was not going to have a NDDC “drop in day” regarding Council Tax levels as were being held in the other 4 Towns.
Clerk to write
Stalbridge have agreed to host a meeting of the N Dorset Area DAPTC.
Clerk to arrange
W Batty-Smith reported on the meeting between NDDC and DCC Highways. Apparently none of the schemes promised for last year have been carried out including the improvement to the sight line at the Landshire Lane/A357 junction. However, these will definitely be carried out in 2005/6.
Correspondence
D C C Highways re. request for dropped kerb in High Street, this will be put near the Nat.West Bank. Work to be carried out fairly rapidly.
DCC Traffic Management re Bagber Crossroads. Unfortunately it is not possible to improve the visibility splay but increased signing will be put in place. Letter to be sent asking if the DCC had the power to compel the landowner to keep the hedge trimmed back and also if there was any way of compulsorily purchasing the necessary piece of land.
Clerk to write
Minutes of Henstridge Airfield C. Cttee. Given to D Neal
Letter from Mrs Peak suggesting a seat is placed in the High Street. Reply to the effect that the TC do not agree that a seat would be a good idea in the High Street
Clerk to write
Invitation from Sturminster Community Learning Centre to view their new premises at The Sidings on Tues. 14th Dec. or Thurs. 16th Dec.
NDDC Economic Dev. Policy advising that £200 has been allocated to Stalbridge towards the cost of Christmas promotional activities. Letter to Lighting Cttee with congratulations on their efforts.
Clerk to write
NDDC Chief Exec. Advising that our letter re. Woodmills and Larks Meadow open spaces have been passed to the Enforcement Officer and Environment Policy Manager for action
Clerk to chase for replies.
Clerk to action
English Heritage re. The Cross advising that they are unable to carry out a valuation for insurance purposes. Clerk to contact Chartered Surveyor and obtain cost
Clerk to action
Letter from Mr Easton of Larks Meadow re bridleway and damage to TC fence posts
N Murray Rural Housing Enabler. She would like to attend a meeting and introduce herself.
Clerk to arrange
NDDC Tree Officer. Copy of letter to Adbruf acknowledging receipt of application under a Tree Preservation to fell two trees and carry out work on another
NDDC Financial services re. Precepts
Notes of Town and Parish Liaison Meetings
NDDC C Exec. Re. Henstridge Airfield. Guiding Principles to support planning policy for the airfield are being drafted. Meetings will be held to discuss these and they have been requested to hold one in Dorset. Sth Som. Have also been asked to invite DCC Highways to an open meeting with regard to traffic impact on Dorset.
Clerk to write and advise that the Stalbridge Hall would make a suitable venue for such a meeting and also to confirm to Sth Som. D C that we wish to be treated as a consultee on all planning applications for the Airfield.
Report from Ms J Rabbetts as Parish Transport Representative. Ms Rabbetts reminds everyone to let her know if they have any problems with Public Transport so that she can get some action.
NDDC Liveability Invitation to Green Flag Awards presentation
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
M James advised that for personal reasons he is unable to continue as a Town Councillor and will be resigning as from 31st December 2004. The Chairman expressed his regret and thanked him for his work in particular with regard to the IT provision.
The Dog Fouling signs have been destroyed at JFPA. Clerk to ask Dog Warden to visit early in the morning.
Clerk to action
W Batty-Smith advised that if a disabled person who has a reduced fare travel pass needs a carer to accompany them, then the Carer can also apply for a reduced fare travel pass.
Further letter to be sent to the owner of 19 Park Road re. rubbish on Pond Close.
Clerk to write
J Cowley asked that the provision of a sign to the Station Road Car Park be progressed and also the possibility of signs indicating the direction to Stalbridge Weston and Stourton Caundle.
Clerk to action
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-35 p.m