Minutes of Town Council Meeting held in the Town Council Office
On Wednesday 9th February 2005 commencing 7-48 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, J Cox, D Grimes, D Neal, R Penfold
D Short and J Cowley Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance D Cllr G Carr-Jones and 2 members of the public
Before the meeting commenced the Chairman congratulated Cllr J Cox on the fact that Dorset Police are giving her an award in recognition of the enormous help she gave a neighbour in May of last year during a very traumatic occurrence
To receive apologies C Cllr R Ash, Cllrs M Butterworth and J O’Hare
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 W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Grimes that the following expenditure be approved
Bob Jones Repairs to central heating 92.35
Stalbridge Lights (amount of grant from NDDC) 200.00
R Forshaw Notice Board 115.00
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 401.26
Bob Jones 92.35
Direct Office 11.71
BMV Pubs 16.25
Williams Nursery 5.00
R Forshaw 115.00
B Telecom 97.14
Stalbridge Lights 200.00
Co-opt new Councillor
Two applications were received for the Casual Vacancy. Mr John Oliver and Mr Ian Semple. Their letters of introduction were read out. A secret ballot took place and Mr I Semple was unanimously elected. The Chairman welcomed him to the Council and thanked Mr Oliver for applying. I Semple duly signed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
Parish Plan
The production of a Parish Plan and the formation of a Community Partnership are inter-linked and with the latter in mind the Chairman advised that he had been approached by Mr M Burt of Okeford Fitzpaine who had suggested that several parishes are interested in holding a meeting with a view to discussing Community Partnerships. It was agreed that the Chairman would contact Mr Burt and advise him that Stalbridge would be happy to host such a meeting in the Methodist Hall but that he would be responsible for the organisation and running of such a meeting.
Chairman to arrange
With regard to a Parish Plan, this must be organised by the parishioners rather than the Town Council and to that end it was agreed to discuss the wording of a leaflet to be distributed to all households at the next planning meeting
Next Planning Agenda
Purchase of replacement tree for The Ring
It was proposed by J Cox and seconded by W Batty-Smith that Williams Nursery be asked to provide and plant a Crateagus Crimson Cloud tree on The Ring, the cost not to exceed £50. agreed 8 in favour, 1 abstention.
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
J Cowley advised that he and the Clerk had attended the North Dorset Towns’ Alliance meeting in Sturminster Newton on the 25th January. The meeting was attended by the Chairman and Clerks of Blandford, Shaftesbury and Sturminster but not Gillingham. Development Control problems were discussed and it was agreed to send a joint letter to Mr Fagan Head of the Dept., at NDDC. M Fagg the Sturminster Clerk had drafted a letter and this was discussed and some alterations made.
D Neal asked if the NDDC were, as a result of our request, going to hold a Budget Consultation Workshop in Stalbridge. The Clerk advised that they were not. D Neal then proposed that a Notice be put in the Blackmore Vale Mag. Advising residents that we had requested such a Workshop the same as the other 4 towns. The motion was seconded by D Grimes and carried 5 in favour with 2 abstentions.
Clerk to arrange
D Neal then reported on the Christmas Lighting Meeting he had attended. They are hoping to floodlight the Church Tower next year and plans are going forward with regard to The Cross. The Lights will be turned on on the 28th November 2005 and late night shopping will be 2nd December.
R Penfold attended a Sturquest meeting. It is the intention to re-instate the mini-bus to Sturminster Youth Club but not on Mondays.
Correspondence
Dorset CC re. Dorsets Vision for Schools. Discussion Document and questionnaire. Passed to P Ashcroft
NDDC Local Development Framework. Supply of Leaflets
NDDC Notification that the Casual Vacancy can be filled by co-option
DCC Decision Notice re. PA Gibbs Marsh. Storage Building and aerial mast. Granted
DCC re. Holly Hedge. The Owner has agreed to cut the hedge. This will be monitored
DCA Notification of Conference on New Solutions for Affordable Housing
DAPTC C. Exec. Circular 02.05
Introduction to the Anti Social Behaviour Reduction Officer
NDDC Information on the Development Control Service. Parts of this will be copied for the Planning Committee
DCC Details of Proposal to install gate with gap on BW 75
NDDC Re. Woodmills – Bund. Enclosing copy of letter sent to Cllr W Batty-Smith explaining the planning position.
Stalbridge Hall Management Cttee Newsletter
Invitation to annual County Meeting of Girlguides
Letter of thanks for grant from N D CAB
Letter from Office of D P M re. allotments and green spaces
Copy of Feedback form to Stalbridge Web Site from M Redman and reply from M James
NDDC Details of Budgetary Consultation with Business Organisations meeting on 9th Feb.
(copy given to J Else)
NDDC Ch Exec. Re. Budget Consultation Meetings advising that the Council would be welcome to attend the Cabinet meeting on 10th Feb. to make comments on the budget proposals or comments may be made by letter
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Chairman feels that some decision regarding the future of the Bier House should be made.
Next Agenda
There being no further business the meeting closed at 10-00 p.m.