On Wednesday 13th December 2006 commencing 8-10 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, B Booth, J Cowley, J Cox, D Grimes
J O’Hare, R Penfold, D Short, J Wardell and D Neal Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance None
To receive apologies C Cllr D Fox and D Cllr G Carr-Jones
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 No comments
Proposed Expenditure
All expenditure previously approved
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Grimes that the following cheques be signed All agreed
D J Hine Salary £494.10
B Telecom 148.05
Soc LCClerks 85.00
S & A Builders 282.00
Direct Office 95.75
University of Gloucs (Town Plan) 75.00
NDDC rent for Pond Close 11.75
Extension to Churchyard
A letter received from Savills the Agents for the Stalbridge Estate pointing out that the Town Council would be responsible for all legal and surveyors fees in connection with any transaction and a signed letter of agreement is required. They also suggested that the TC put forward an offer for the piece of land in question. The Clerk advised that she had worked out that the land in question is approximately one third of an acre and that she had taken the advice of a local Valuer who recommended an offer in the region of £5 - £6,000. After some discussion it was proposed by J O’Hare and seconded by W Batty-Smith that an offer of £5,000 be made. J Cox proposed an amendment to £6,000 which was seconded by D Grimes. The amendment was voted on with the result of 4 in favour 6 against. The original proposal was carried on a vote of 6 in favour 5 against. It was agreed to write to Savills and point out that the TC had to work on a restricted budget etc.
Clerk to write
Budget/Precept 2007/8
It was agreed to hold a meeting on Monday 18th December to discuss this in detail
Town Plan up-date
The Clerk advised that the questionnaires are now finalised and they would be distributed during the period between Christmas and New Year with a collection date of 31st January
Pedestrian Crossing up-date
The DCC had advised that the Rights of Way Committee have turned down the request for a Pedestrian Crossing in the High Street. A letter was sent to the Chief Executive and the Leader of the Council expressing the anger and disappointment of the Town Council at this decision. W Batty-Smith advised that Tim Westwood and Steve Howard of DCC would be visiting Stalbridge in early January with further proposals to enhance road safety. Letter to DCC asking for dates for this proposed meeting as soon as possible.
Clerk to write
Library possible closure up-date
A letter has been sent to Mr Leivers following the meeting on 27th November, but a reply is awaited. It was suggested that perhaps an approach should be made to Colehill and Corfe Mullen to see if a combined effort could be made. Also perhaps the DAPTC could be of some assistance.
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
D Grimes advised that there had been some complaints regarding the parking of Contractors’ vehicles near the Waterlake junction.
R Penfold advised that he had attended the Shaftesbury Carol Service
B Booth asked if it would be possible to move the Notice Board at Stalbridge Weston to a more convenient place. She was advised that so long as it was not on highway land there should be no problem.
It was agreed to write to Mr J Else and congratulate him and the others of the Lights Committee on the very successful late night opening event.
Clerk to check with I Davies regarding the trimming of the JFPA hedge
It was noted that once again the bollard by the Post Office has been destroyed.
It was agreed to ask the maintenance man to repair the Notice Board on the wall outside Kelly’s Pet Store
Clerk to arrange
R Penfold advised re. The Hall, that bookings are very good. The New fire door is to be fitted and it is also hoped to install a “loop system” to assist the hard of hearing
D Neal attended the Scrutiny and Overview Committee meeting at NDDC regarding the Budget
Quotation received for new signs for both play areas. No golf and No dogs and stating ownership; It was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by J Cox to accept the quote in the sum of £55 to supply and fit both signs. All agreed
11 Correspondence
E-mail from Hugh DeIongh re. The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, suggesting Stalbridge should be part of the catchment area Negative reply
E-mail from Stephen Hill, NDDC to the 5 Town Clerks re. Local Delivery. Confirming that the suggested arrangements for budgets for 2007/8 are legal. Noted
Dorset Older People’s Forum List of meetings for 2007
NDDC Notice of appeal by J Harris, 1 Park Grove against planning decision
DCC Official notification that request for Pedestrian Crossing has been refused
E-mails re. Pedestrian Crossing See minutes
Quotation for signs for Play Areas Accepted
NDDC draft Customer Access Strategy
NDDC notification of Memorial Service for Cllr D Whitehead
E-mail from P Leivers with template for budgeting for Library expenses
NDDC Corporate plan for improvement
Losan Ltd letter re Planning Applications on Henstridge Airfield
E-mail from TV Progamme Inside Out re. problems relating oo Sat Nav systems
NDDC Statement of Community Involvement