Minutes of Town Council Meeting held in the Town Council Office
On Wednesday 28th June 2006 commencing 8.25 p.m.
Present Councillors P. Ashcroft, W. Batty-Smith, J. Cowley J. Cox, D. Grimes, J. O’Hare, R. Penfold, D. Short, and D. Neal Chairman,
S J Harris (Clerk)
In attendance District Councillor Carr-Jones County Councillor David Fox
To receive apologies J. Wardell D J Hine (Clerk) D. Short for leaving early
Declarations of Interest None
Confirm minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting having previously been circulated to Councillors were approved and signed by the Chairman
Proposed by D. Grimes, Seconded by J. Cox
OPEN FORUM
No matters raised
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with SO No. 40 it was proposed by D. Grimes and seconded by D. Short that the following expenditure be approved:
P. J. Watts Internal Audit £45.00
M. Cridge Plants etc. the Cross troughs £14.38
Sign Cheques
In accordance with SO No. 40 it was proposed by D. Grimes and seconded by D. Short that the following cheques be signed:
D. J. Hine Part Salary June £247.05
P. J. Watts 46.00
Air Ambulance Grant 400.00
S & A Builders Inspections 126.90
R. Sharp The Ring and NDDC Grass 102.00
P. Ashcroft Book Tokens 35.00
R. Sharp The Ring and Footpath and NDDC 452.00
M. Cridge 14.38
Blackmore Vale Internet 54.00
Direct Office 51.56
Request by _Signpost Housing Association for the Town Council to relinquish part of Pond Close for Development
Councillors felt strongly that the houses needed to be for local people but this could not be guaranteed. Concerns about extra traffic would be dealt with when the plans are received. Bill Batty-Smith proposed and D. Grimes seconded to agree to release land for the construction of 10 houses, with the condition that precedence be given to local occupants. 8 No. for, 1 No. against. Also ask for a replacement site as mentioned at the meeting and assume this would have a 25 year lease. Legal fees to be paid by the applicant.
Security system for Town Clerk’s Office
One quote obtained so far from Wessex Fire and Security.
Agreed to obtain further quotes.
Insurance Values/Inventory
Arrangements were made for councillors to check the inventory on July 10th @ 7p.m. J. Cowley also suggested checking document held by solicitor but this should not need changing.
Jobs for Community Workers – The following were suggested but no decision taken.
• Grosvenor Road Play Area clean up
• Paint Bus Shelter
• Walkway at Pond Walk very overgrown
• Jarvis Way playarea in poor condition. Needs renovating as school holidays are coming up.
Library Closure
John Cowley said he could not get a statement about whether D.C.C. problems are revenue or capital. He had received conflicting reports. David Fox said there was authority wide pressure on every service and he would like to see the review revisited. The issue has been raised in Parliament. B. Battye-Smith said the library site as real estate becomes capital, and the solution relies on releasing capital to use in other places. It was suggested that C.C. Member Alan Havelock be invited to a Town Council meeting.
Councillors Reports/Questions
Highways: Meeting with Mr. Ackerman from D.C.C.Highways re crossing. He was very pleasant, but produced no information. as to the County Council’s thinking. He will report back to the Town Council.
Dorset Data Book: Dorset Bakery listed under Sturminster Newton. This should be changed in the 2006 edition.
Keys for lighting system at the Market cross: required by Julian Else
Liveability Presentation: Paperweight presented to R. Penfold
Mr. Batty-Smith reported to the meeting that the drain at Church Hill had been reported to Clarence and has now been cleared
Light at entrance to Jarvis Close: broken:
Mr. Carr-Jones reported that the Town Plan is proceeding
Path from Larks Meadow: David Fox is looking into.
Access to Sewage Works has been re-surfaced
S.I.D.S. posts have been erected on Thornhill Road and outside Cranleigh. Stalbridge will get feedback with information. Police have agreed to follow up speeding traffic identified at regular times by S.I.D.
Path by filling station needs cleaning.
Community Support Police Vehicle has been seen where children were reported causing a nuisance.
Correspondence
Society of Local Council Clerks: Letter to the Chairman advising that the Clerk has been awarded her Certificate of Achievement in respect of the Working with your Council Course.
Meeting re Public Conveniences on July 26th: John Cowley and Doug Neal will attend.
Allianz Cornhill re: Damage to Pavilion: Claim is less than the policy excess.
Invitations to Bridport T. Council and Wimborne T. Council walkabouts: D.Neal to reply to both.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45