On Wednesday 23rd August 2006 commencing 7-40 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, J Cowley, J Cox, D Grimes, J O,Hare
D Short, J Wardell and D Neal Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance C Cllr. D Fox
To receive apologies D Cllr G Carr-Jones and Cllr R Penfold
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 with the following amendments
Item 9 add “It was proposed by J O’Hare and seconded by D Grimes that J Cox liaise with Steve Brett from the Community Service Unit as to what work should be carried out in Jarvis Field Play Area and what materials will be required”
Item 12 First para. add after reported “that a decision from the Neighbourhood Fund had been deferred”
Item 12 Last para. Change “about” to “that” now reads Concerns expressed that funds committed to the cemetery, could be diverted ……
OPEN FORUM No reports
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by J Cox that the following expenditure be approved
S Harris £76.86
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
D J Hine Salary £494.10
Soc. L C Clerks. Conference 265.00
BDO Stoy Audit fee 411.25
R Sharp NDDC Grass 40.00
S & A Builders Maintenance 15.10
B Telecom 137.16
S Harris 76.86
Approval and acceptance of Annual Return
The Annual Return for the year ended 31st March 2006 has been returned by the auditors. The only issue arising from the audit is a suggestion that the Fidelity Insurance cover be checked to ensure that it is sufficient. The Clerk advised that it is at present up to £45,000, it was agreed to look at this before the next renewal. It was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Grimes that the Audited Annual Return be approved and accepted. All agreed
The Clerk asked if Councillors had looked at the amounts of the Insurance values. J Cowley queried the value of the Cross. It was suggested that the clerk ask how much the Shillingstone Cross is insured for.
Clerk to enquire
Jarvis Field Play Area
J Cox advised that the Community Service will be contacting her regarding a site visit to assess the work required. She also advised that it would appear that some BMX jumps are being constructed but she will have a look at them to see if they are causing any problems. It was suggested that the broken Goal Post be replaced.
Clerk to obtain a price
Put on next Agenda
Draft Regional Spatial Strategy
J Cowley suggested commenting to the effect that the Town Council is broadly in agreement with the District Council’s views and would not wish to see the number of completed dwellings exceeding the present level. Such housing that is permitted should be social housing within the envelope of the existing towns. Stalbridge should be included under Development Policy C relating to “small towns and villages”
Agree maintenance work required
Councillors felt that some maintenance work, in particular on the seats, should have been undertaken. Clerk will check regarding seat inspections etc.
Clerk to progress
Up-date on latest news re. The Library
Letter from DCC enclosing summary of direct costs for running Stalbridge Library 2005/6. It was agreed that some of these could be reduced. It was suggested that we endeavour to obtain some sponsorship from local businesses. The biggest cost is the Librarian’s salary at some £14,000. Another suggestion is that we suggest the Town Council match fund the expenses with the County Council. Sponsorship letter to be drafted.
Up-date on Local Delivery proposals
The Chairman and Clerk attended a meeting at NDDC on the 18th August. The main point from this meeting was that NDDC require a contribution of £300,000 from all the towns and villages in North Dorset towards their budget for 2007/8. If all agree, it will mean an additional £11.48 per annum on a Band D Council Tax or less than £1 per month, which is similar to the amount council tax payers would have been paying if the original (uncapped) amount had been allowed for NDDC. If this happens this will give 12 months in which to agree the way forward with the running of such things as public toilets, car parks, street sweeping etc. It was pointed out that if all the parishes did not agree and some refused to pay the extra amount, then the £11.48 would increase to cover this shortfall. After some discussion it was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by D Short that the Town Council agree in principle to the £11.48 p.a. increase only and the proposal was carried on a vote of 7 in favour and 2 against. J Cox and J O’Hare voted against.
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
J Cowley reported receiving some complaints regarding loud music from the Stalbridge Arms on a Friday and Saturday evening. It was agreed to write to NDDC Licensing and ask them to remind the Licensee of his obligations.
Clerk to write
D Grimes congratulated and thanked the Chairman for all his additional work during the Clerk’s absence. Letter of thanks to be sent to Mrs S Harris who deputised
J Wardell advised that the application for funding for printing the Health Walks booklets has been turned down. It was suggested that Awards for All be contacted.
P Ashcroft advised that there is a School Governors’ meeting on 12th September.
The street light outside 5 Cale Close has not yet been re-instated.
D Fox advised that the A357 at Newton would be closed from 21st to 29th September
Vale FM would like a copy of the Minutes however, it was pointed out this would be a bit pointless, but that could have a copy of the Agenda. Their e mail address to be ascertained.
A reminder that the North Area DAPTC meeting is to be held in Stalbridge on 6th September
Park Wall getting overgrown along Park Grove and Church Walk
Weeds and undergrowth along the path from Pound Close to The Pound, suggest a letter to landowners either side.
Clerk to write
The possibility of holding a Farmer’s Market to be investigated.
Clerk to check
Correspondence
Sturminster TC Notification of resignation of Chairman P H Rhodes
Mrs M Bennett of Robinson Heights. Complaint re. Jarvis Field Play Area. Action being taken.
Clerk to write
Jane Godfrey NDDC next meeting of Play Provision Partnership 4th Sept.
DCC re. Footpath/Cycleway Larks Meadow-Jarvis Way. Advising that request for re-classification has been added to the list
NDDC Adopted Statement of Community Involvement
DCC Details of Youth Opportunity Fund and Youth Capital Fund
ENCAMS A Guide to Litter and the Law
Details of Conference on Restoring the Rural to Highways
Copy of Community News
Copy of Annual Report of Crown Prosecution Service
DAPTC C Exec Circ. 10/06
Minutes of DAPTC N Dorset Area meeting of 18th May
Present Clerk with W W Y C Course Certificate
The Chairman presented the Clerk with her Course Certificate and congratulated her on her success.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-50 p.m.