Minutes of Town Council Meeting held in the Town Council Office
On Wednesday 6th April 2005 commencing 7-30 p.m.
Present Councillors J Cox, D Grimes, D Neal, J O’Hare, D Short and J Cowley Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance 4 members of the public
To receive apologies C Cllr R Ash, D Cllrs W Batty-Smith and G Carr-Jones
Cllrs P Ashcroft, M Butterworth, R Penfold, I Semple
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
Mr & Mrs Cridge queried whether flying the Union Flag at half mast on the Ring Flagpole to mark the death of Pope John Paul II for the whole of the time between his death and his funeral was in accordance with protocol. It was agreed to discuss this during A O B
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
Four County Services. 1 year Warranty for Computer
Covers everything except Software 146.88
With regard to this item it was agreed to consult Mr M James as our IT expert and if he is in favour to go ahead
Westree – re-install posts on Ring 70.50
Lee Holmes – repair Gang Mowers PF Grant 772.72
S & A Builders Inspection & repair fence 79.31
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by J Cox that the following cheques be signed
D J Hine £513.33
Wessex Water 273.79
NDDC Revised Rates 781.58
S Electric 117.19
DAPTC 443.07
Stalbridge Estate 1,475.00
BMV Pubs 36.41
Direct Office 102.27
Westree 70.50
S & A Builders – Inspections 84.60
Lee Holmes – P F Grant 772.72
Ray Sharp NDDC grass 50.00
Ray Sharp Ring and Pound (less payment for mower) 20.00
Four County Services 146.88
S & A Builders 79.31
H Jonas Consultancy and quote 65.00
Ratify new Contract and Conditions of Employment for Clerk and new Salary
Scale of SCP23
It was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by J O’Hare that the new Contract and Conditions for the Clerk together with the new salary scale, as put forward by the Planning and GP Committee be adopted. All Agreed.
Maintenance etc., of Ring Beds
The Ring Beds now need some attention, there are some dead shrubs etc., that need removing and the bark has all but disappeared. A request has been received to plant a shrub on the Ring in memory of a resident. It was therefore proposed by D Short and seconded by D Grimes that it be suggested that a replacement for one of the dead shrubs in an established bed be planted with a label recording in whose memory it is and that Mr Sharp be asked to look at the beds and give us some idea of the cost of a good tidy up and pruning session. All agreed.
Clerk to action
Annual Parish Meeting
The Clerk advised that Ms J Rees, General Manager Policy, NDDC would address the Annual Parish Meeting regarding Strategic Partnerships (is she is unavailable she will ensure another Officer will be in attendance) D Neal proposed and D Grimes seconded that an advert re. the A P M be put in the Blackmore Vale Mag. All agreed.
Clerk to action
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
D Neal reported on the Henstridge Airfield C C meeting. There has been 1813 aircraft movements of which 113 were helicopters (not including the Air Ambulance) There have been 29 complaints from 6 people of which 5 were disputed. It would appear the majority of complaints are caused by pilots visiting the airfield for the first time. There will be a Vintage Aircraft fly in day on 27th August. Planning applications will be made to build more aircraft hangars on the site. This will not mean an increase in use, just more aircraft will be able to be kept inside.
J Cox advised that the gate has been fitted across the Wessex Water track which has left enough room for horses and push chairs but definitely stopped vehicles using the track.
Correspondence
North Dorset Profile
NDDC Annual Monitoring Report for 2004
DAPTC C Exec Circular 06-05., Advised that Section 137 limit is now raised to £5.30 per elector and also giving details of Training Days
Regional Spatial Strategy Update
Advice of Public Local Enquiry into objections to Bournemouth Dorset & Poole Waste Plan
Blandford & District Transport Forum Meeting 13th April - Give copy of Ms J Rabbetts
Letter from defra re Quality Parish Councils & Parish Plans
Annual public meeting of CAB on 19th April at Blandford
Quote from Harry Jonas for cost of replacing The Cross. Cost of Insurance to be discussed further when Renewal Notice received
DCA invitation to meeting of Transport Action Group 21st April – Give copy to Ms J Rabbetts
NDDC acceptance of quote for grass cutting for 2005
R Sharp price for cutting Ring and Pound for 2005 – New price accepted
DAPTC minutes of meeting of Town & Larger Parishes
DCA Simon Thompson will attend meeting on 18th May re Parish Plans
Details of how to go about “listing” property. It was agreed to discuss this in respect of Park Wall in more details
Request from our Transport Rep. for support in the quest to get a replacement bus service to Bournemouth. Clerk to contact and ask précised what she wishes us to do
Clerk to contact
NDDC Draft Development Control Customer Service Charter
NDDC details of RoSPA charges for inspection of Play Areas. It was agreed to have an inspection.
Clerk to arrange
E mail from Save our Countryside Group re Quiet Lanes Schemes
Letter from Rev. Ridding re. Bier House. It was agreed to request a meeting on site with members of the PCC
Clerk to arrange
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
With regard to the question of flying the Union Flag as mentioned in Open forum it was agreed further information would be obtained on this subject but that in the meantime the flag would remain in situ.
(Clerk’s note. On Thursday 7th April, Cllr Cox obtained information from Dept. for Culture, Media & Sport, via the internet which indicates that the protocol mentioned applies to Government Buildings only and that “Individuals, local authorities and other organisations may fly the Union flag whenever they wish”)
Apparently some residents have been having problems with sewer rats and it has been established that if there is a problem with rats in the public sewer then this has to be dealt with by Wessex Water
As we have not heard anything on the following items the Clerk with write again
Bagber Crossroads and possible compulsory purchase of sufficient land to create a visibility splay.
Proposals for Pedestrian Crossing which were promised in 3 – 6 months from 30th September
Sign indicating the whereabouts of the Car Park in Station Road
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-45 p.m.