On Wednesday 26th July 2006 commencing at 8.20 p.m
Present Councillors W. Batty-Smith, J. Cowley, J. Cox, D. Grimes
J. O’Hare, J. Wardell, and D. Neal Chairman, S. Harris (Clerk)
In attendance District Councillor G. Carr-Jones
To receive apologies P. Ashcroft, D. Fox, D. Hine
Declarations of Interest None
Confirm minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the meeting on 28th June, having previously been circulated to Councillors, were approved and signed by the Chairman.
Proposed by D. Grimes, seconded by J. Cowley.
OPEN FORUM
No matters raised
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.
R.Sharp and M.Dunning – Springfield Hedge £168.00
Including clearing away debris
Trinity Mirror Southern Ltd (BMV Magazine) £ 22.38
Direct Office Supplies £ 13.51
Mrs. Sue Harris £124.03
John Singleton – grass cutting £437.50
R.Sharp £ 20.00
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by D. Grimes and seconded by J. O’Hare that the following cheques be signed
D.J. Hine – Salary July £494.10
Pond Close grass £210.00
M.Dunning £ 84.00
R.Sharp – NDDC grass, The Ring, The Hedge £583.00
Trinity Mirror Southern Ltd £ 22.38
Direct Office Supplies £ 13.51
Mrs. Sue Harris £124.03
John Singleton £437.50
R.Sharp £ 20.00
Flag at the Ring
A letter has been received asking about the policy for flying flags as U.S.A. flag was flying on Independence Day. It was a request of the resident who paid for the flag pole that the U.S.A. flag he supplied be flown. It was proposed by W. Batty-Smith and seconded by J. Wardell, that only the Union flag and flags of the member states of the U.K. be flown. The Chairman will speak to Mr. Hedditch and Mrs. Gibbs
Security System for Town Council Office
Two quotes have been obtained out of three asked for. Partnership @ £358 + VAT, and £465 + VAT from Wessex Fire and Security. D. Grimes proposed accepting the quote from Partnership after checking finances, W. Batty-Smith seconded.
Insurance Values/Inventory
An inventory has been prepared. A number of maintenance items have been identified. After checking the funding situation D. Neal and J.Cowley will decide what needs to be done. The inventory also needs to be checked at J. Foster-Pegg’s.
D. Neal will check the situation re the cover to the water hydrant on the Ring, which has been left open.
Jobs for Community Service Workers
J. Cowley proposed and W. Batty-Smith seconded that the urgently needed weeding round the Jarvis Way climbing frame be done. Once clear the situation re sand will be reviewed
Library
D. Neal proposed and W. Batty-Smith seconded that Paul Leivers be asked for a detailed breakdown of the costs of running Stalbridge Library, also showing how much is re charged County overheads.
Town Plan
District Councillor Carr-Jones reported that the questionnaire would be out in September.
Councillors Reports
J. Wardell reported the Neighborhood Fund from Signpost is available; there is a meeting at the end of July.
J. Cowley reported that vegetation needed cutting alongside footpaths particularly Church Walk. The path between the garage and Stalbridge Arms has been cleared. Overhanging ivy by steps of Station Road has been reported to Clarence.
G. Carr-Jones reported that bin emptying is not being done regularly enough. He is trying to persuade regular weekly refuse collectors to empty bins along their route. Dog bins are filled up every other day, most people are very responsible.
D. Neal reported that the e-mail sent to Mr. Ackerman re pedestrian crossing had been acknowledged by his secretary.
He had also asked Mr. Hill for minutes of the Durweston meeting and a breakdown of costs. The minutes have now been received.
G. Carr-Jones reported that the correct date for the meeting at Durweston about @Tough Choices@ was on August 15th.
D. Neal and D. Grimes had attended the meeting at Blandford re toilets, where it was stated that Stalbridge has the best toilets in North Dorset.
D. Neal had made clear that Stalbridge was not prepared to take on the £32000 cost of bringing the toilets up to the standard required to comply with regulations, the work would have to be done first.
Concerns were expressed about funds committed to the cemetery, which could be diverted to maintaining the toilets. There are concerns about a general decline with a gradual loss of the Post Office, then the bank, then the library.
Correspondence
Letter re the Big Lottery Fund Children’s Play area scheme requesting a reply by 28th.July.
2 letters from parishioners re trees at Hunts Freezer Store. D Neal reported that Hunts have confirmed that the trees will be pruned on Friday 28th. July.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.15 p.m