Minutes of Town Council Meeting held in the Town Council Office
On Wednesday 12th January 2005 commencing 8-15 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, M Butterworth, J Cox, D Grimes,
D Neal, J O’Hare, R Penfold, D Short and J Cowley Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance 3 members of the public
To receive apologies C Cllr Mrs R Ash and D Cllr G Carr-Jones
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
Two representatives from Fudges Bakery, Station Road attended the meeting to advise Councillors that the Company would be holding an Open Day on Bank Holiday Monday the 30th May and were hoping to get others involved to make it a “fun day” for all. At present they employ 129 staff and work from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. and are actively seeking additional local people to work for them. It was agreed that they would liaise with Cllr D Short with regard to the project to keep the Council informed as to what was going to happen. The Chairman thanked them for attending and for proposing the project.
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
Soc. L C Clerks Subs 82.00
Ditto New Clerks’ Manual 25.00
J Foster-Pegg. Legal fees re. Registration of Title 122.50
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by J Cox that the following cheques be signed
D J Hine Salary 401.26
Postage 42.13
Southern Electric 68.16
Direct Office 21.42
Soc. L C C 25.00
Soc. L C C 82.00
S & A Builders Inspections 56.40
British Gas 75.28
J Foster-Pegg 122.50
The Clerk provided Councillors with comparison of expenditure to budget for the period ended 31st December 2004
New Conditions of Service for Clerk
The Clerk provided information regarding the recommended Conditions of Service for Clerks of Local Councils as agreed between NALC and SLCC. It was agreed that the G P Committee would meet to discuss this on Wednesday 19th January at 7-30 p.m.
Parish Plans
The Clerk provided the Countryside Agency Booklet on Parish Plans and W Batty-Smith provided a copy of the Child Okeford Plan. The Chairman will study both documents before the next meeting.
Next Agenda
Bus Shelters
Three quotations for the provision of a Bus Shelter in Jarvis Way were received and it would appear that the cost of the project would be in the region of £5,000 with the possibility of a grant of £800 from DCC. Planning Permission would have to be applied for. It was also agreed that if one Shelter was provided then there would be other requests for shelters. It was therefore felt that the benefits did not justify the costs. It was proposed by J Cox and seconded by P Ashcroft that the project be abandoned. All agreed.
Clerk to advise M Boone, DCC
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
W Batty-Smith advised that work would be carried out on Lower Road/Marnhull Road as far as Bagber Crossroads. Further to W Batty-Smith’s report at the last meeting regarding the Landshire Lane crossroads, C Cllr R Ash advised that this project is subject to negotiations with Somerset CC.
R Penfold advised that he had attended a Sturquest Meeting. Apparently a Children’s Centre is to be provided in Bath Road. Improvements are to be carried out on Stalbridge Lane to allow easier access.
D Neal asked if consideration could be given, at a later date, to the adoption of a small village in the Tsunami Disaster Area. Although the TC cannot contribute financially to such a project they could give their backing to a local group who may wish to do this.
To be discussed at a future meeting
Correspondence
Letter from Ch. Exec. NDDC re. Budget Consultation Workshops. In reply to ours asking why Stalbridge was not having one apparently Stalbridge are not considered large enough. Reply to be sent insisting that a meeting is held in Stalbridge.
Clerk to write
Letter from Sth. Somerset re. Henstridge Airfield advising that Stalbridge will be consulted on all planning applications for the Airfield
Letter from Sturminster TC advising that the North Dorset Towns’ Alliance Meeting will be held on Tuesday 25th January at 2-30 p.m. in Sturminster.
DAPTC Ch. Exec. Circular No. 23-04 and 01-05
Copy of the Heart of Wessex Rail Partnership Annual Progress Report
Letter from Merryfields re. damage to concrete post on Bridleway denying any responsibility
Report from ND DAPTC Rep. on the ND Community Partnership Steering Group
Minutes of DAPTC Town and Large Parish Council meeting held 3.12.04
Notification of D C C Council Tax meetings to be held in Sherborne 11th Jan Dorchester 19th Jan and various other towns.
Sherborne CAB News
Action for Market Towns details
Diary Date – Wimborne Minster Mayor’s Charity Show Saturday 2nd April
Further details of Digital Microwave Radios as requested of DCC re. proposed Mast at Gibbs Marsh.
Letter from NDDC Ch. Exec. In reply to our re Woodmills & Larks Meadow, apologising for not replying in full to our letter of 29th November and advising that DCC and NDDC Legal Section are endeavouring to sort out the problems
NALC Annual Review of Accounts 2003-4
Defra Rural Services review
Local Council Review for January
Letter from NDDC advising that planning permission is not required for the Notice Board on the outside of the Town Council Offices
Letter from Mrs E Wareham advising that trees in Jarvis Way near the footpath to JFPA are obscuring the street lights.
Clerk to report to DCC
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
As there has been no news lately regarding the possible requirement for a new Burial Ground it was agreed to ask a representative of the PCC to attend the next TC meeting.
The Snowdrop Memorial Service will be held on 30th January at 2-30 p.m.
The seat in Station Road is damaged. Clerk will advise Maintenance.
Clerk to action
The Holly Hedge outside 6 Westminster Building is overgrowing the pavement again
Clerk to report
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-50 p.m.