Minutes of Annual Town Council Meeting held in the Town Council Office
On Wednesday 3rd May 2006 commencing 7-30 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, J Cox, D Grimes, J O’Hare, R Penfold,
D Short, J Wardell, and J Cowley Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance D Cllr G Carr-Jones
To receive apologies C Cllr D Fox Cllr D Neal
To Elect Chairman and Vice-Chairman
Chairman – D Neal proposed by J Cox seconded by J Cowley all agreed
Vice-Chairman – J Cowley proposed by J Cox seconded by 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.
P Ashcroft asked what had happened about the Trailway. The Clerk advised that the problem appeared to have been dealt with by C Cllr D Fox according to e-mails received (see correspondence)
OPEN FORUM No comments
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by P Ashcroft that the following expenditure be approved
St Mary’s Church – Churchyard Grant £3,500.00
Disabled Group Grant 100.00
Friends of St Mary’s Grant 100.00
Vale Crops - Playing Field Grant 123.62
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
St Mary’s Church – Churchyard Grant £3,500.00
Disabled Group Grant 100.00
Friends of St Mary’s Grant 100.00
Vale Crops - Playing Field Grant 123.62
D J Hine Salary £494.10 & Postage £30.72 524.92
To elect Plannning & G P Committee
In addition to the Chairman and Vice-Chairman the following were proposed and seconded J Cox (J Cowley and D Grimes) P Ashcroft (J Cox and W Batty-Smith) J O’Hare (J Cowley and J Cox)
To appoint representatives to various committees
C Office Cttee B Bottomley Chairman, D Neal, D Grimes, P Cossington and
S Robinson
Footpath Officer N Brown
Tree Officer D Grimes
Councillor Auditors J Cox and J Wardell
Hall Cttee Rep R Penfold
Playing Fields Rep D Neal
Youth Club Rep J Cox
Pulbic Transport Rep J Rabbetts
Stur. Youth Centre Rep R Penfold
School Rep P Ashcroft
Henstridge Airfield C Cttee R Penfold and D Neal
DAPTC Area To be arranged when required
Possible Closure of Library
After some discussion it was agreed to arrange a public meeting for Wednesday 17th May
Pedestrian Crossing up-date
It was agreed to write to the Chief Executive with the results of the survey and officially request the pedestrian crossing with a copy to A Campbell the Leader of the Council and to C Cllr D Fox
The Ring
It was reported that the work on the Ring is progressing well but there is a problem with the disposal of the rubbish. Councillors agreed that if going to Sherborne they would take one or two bags with them
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
J Cowley reported on the meeting held with NDDC regarding the 106 Agreement money. Further details from NDDC of the amounts concerned and what can be done with it are being forwarded.
J Cox advised that the goal post on JFPA is broken. Advise maintenance man
She also said that some of the latest minutes did not appear to be on the web site, neither is the Newsletter.
The possible closure of the Methodist church was mentioned together with various suggestions for its future use.
Some concern expressed regarding what appeared to be a small “travellers’ camp” at Priors Down
J Wardell reported that unfortunately NDDC had no funds for the Health Walks booklets but application has been made to the Signpost Grant fund. The walks have been done. She also asked if it would be possible to tarmac the short distance along Thornhill Road to connect to Wood Lane
A request made for copies of e-mails sent by the Clerk be put in the letter book
Correspondence
Sth Som. D.C. advising of adoption of Local Plan
Stalbridge Youth Club request for payment of grant for 2005/6
Sth Som D C copy of extract of Minutes re. Henstridge Airfield Master Plan
S. Pitt DCC re. ~Launch of Older People’s Partnership for Dorset
NDDC Interim Planning Guidance on development of amenity open spaces
DAPTC Minutes of meeting of Larger Parish & Town Councils
Copy of letter from R Belsham Fifehead Magdalen Parish Meeting re. Speed Trials on Henstridge Airfield
Various correspondence and copy letters re. possible closure of the Library
Copy e-mails to Rangers from D Fox re. Trailway.
Sturquest Invitation to Sturminster Community Lunch
Sth Som. Draft Statement of Community Involvement
DCC Notification of Seminar on Highway Maintenance 20th July
DAPTC Ch. Exec Circular 06/06
Sturminster Newton community learning centre. Request for payment of grant agreed.
NDDC re. RoSPA Play Area Inspections
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-15 p.m.