On Wednesday 1st August 2007 commencing 8-40 p.m.
Present Councillors B Alexandre, P Ashcroft, J Cowley, J Cox, K Garland
D Grimes, R Penfold, J Smith, J Wardell and
W Batty-Smith, Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance C Cllr D Fox
To receive apologies 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 with the following addition.
B Booth pointed out that her report regarding the futility of attending the School Governors’ meetings had been omitted. She pointed out that as the Town Council representative could take no part in the meeting and could not report back on the meeting to the Council there would seem little point in attending. It was agreed to contact the new Headmaster in September in this regard.
B Booth asked who she should contact regarding a damaged footpath retaining wall in Stalbridge Weston. She was advised to contact the DCC Highways.
OPEN FORUM
Mr D Neal reported that Pond Close grass needed cutting and the dog bin had not been emptied for some time. Clerk will deal with.
Query raised with regard to progress on the additional land for the Churchyard. No news from Savills yet. Clerk will chase.
The access to Keeper’s Cottage off Copse House Lane has again sunk below the road surface. The Clerk advised that this has already been reported to DCC. Copy correspondence to be sent to C Cllr D Fox
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
Westree Company JFPA £940.00
Blackmore Vale Internet replacement cheque 54.00
Pearce Seeds P F Grant 196.23
Evans & Pearce do 209.15
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by P Ashcroft that the following cheques be signed
D J Hine Part August Salary 247.05
NDDC Local Delivery 5,787.00
Westree Company 940.88
B Gas 53.06
Blackmore Vale Internet 54.00
Pearce Seeds 196.23
Evans & Pearce 209.15
The Clerk presented the quarterly comparison of expenditure to budget figures.
Sign Annual Town Meeting minutes
The minutes of the Annual Town Meeting held on the 18th April, having been available for reading by all Councillors for 4 weeks, were approved and signed by the Chairman.
Discuss/approve latest developments in Local Delivery programme
Sturminster Newton TC have decided against quoting for the Toilet cleaning/pavement sweeping contract. It was agreed to write to Gillingham and ask if they are interested. The Clerk advised that a Commercial Cleaning Firm are in the process of preparing a quote. It was agreed to set up a meeting with the Chairman and Clerk of Lydlinch and Stourton Caundle Parish Councils in an effort to obtain a contribution from them as users, towards the costs of the work in Stalbridge.
Library up-date
A copy of T Lee’s notes on the County Council meeting of 19th July provided. The main point being that Library opening hours will be reduced to 12 per week. However, in order to keep the Library open longer additional hours can be bought from the DCC or the Library staffed by volunteers. In addition responsibility for the Library building may well be handed over to the Town Council but as yet there are no definite proposals or details of any terms to hand. A Service Level Agreement is required before a definite answer as to whether or not the Town Council wish to do this can be given. J Cowley felt that the Library should not be open unless a qualified Librarian is in attendance although a “Friends” organisation and volunteers would be very useful with regard to maintenance of the building etc. It was proposed to send out a letter to all residents asking if they would be interested in joining a “Friends” organisation however, it was felt that until we had more details of what would be required it is too early to do this. It was agreed to write to Mr S Pitt at Adult Services, DCC, in an effort to obtain full details of what would be required from Stalbridge.
Councillors’ Reports/questions
D Grimes suggested that we request a speed limit on the A357 from Stalbridge to Lydlinch, similar to that in operation from Lydlinch to Sturminster Newton. It was agreed to write to DCC in this respect with a copy to the Chief Constable.
J Wardell asked why the Application to Awards for All with regard to the Health Walks booklet had not been sent off. Further suggestions were awaited from Hugh DeIongh, but it was agreed to proceed with this application.
P Ashcroft and J Wardell had attended the DAPTC meeting which had dealt mainly with the Tough Choices/Local Delivery programme. She reported overhanging hedges in Jarvis Way and litter on the Footpath from Coppern Way to Vale Road. With regard to the proposed additional pavement on the corner of Jarvis Way, a letter of support had been received from the School. Letter requesting same to be sent.
Clerk to write
B Alexandre advised that having contacted DCC regarding the damaged wall/pavement in Stalbridge Weston, the site had been visited and something is going to be done.
J Smith advised that he had received a suggestion that the T C should fund The Ring magazine in order for it to be provided free to all residents
J Cowley asked that the hole in the A357 almost opposite the entrance to Stalbridge Close be reported in writing. There has been a request for an additional Street Light on the footpath from Boyle Close to Jarvis Way. It was suggested that the CPSO be asked to support this request and a letter sent to DCC.
J Cox requested that a note be left with Planning Applications regarding arrangements for site visits.
R Penfold reported on the Hall Cttee Meeting on 11th July. A new heating boiler and storage tank are required, for which it is hoped to use the outstanding grants from the Town Council. More tables and chairs are also required. A meeting of the Caravan Club has been booked for August 2008. There is disagreement about the use of Security Cameras, the Youth Club want them but the Pre-School Group do not. It was felt some compromise should be reached i.e. turning off the cameras when the young children are present.
The Chairman advised that the objection to the refusal of planning permission for the additional property at Ryalls Farm is on-going.
C Cllr D Fox advised that the CC is proposing special measures to deal with the areas drains in 2008 in order to alleviate flooding problems. He suggested that the TC might consider the purchase and management of a Speed Indicator Device. With regard to the Bus Service he has asked that Stalbridge be included in any future consultations regarding buses.
Correspondence
NDDC reply to our query regarding Developer Contributions. (Not much help!)
DCC, Eastern Highways. Letter asking to be informed of any footway repairs needed
Stalbridge Primary School. Supporting proposed pavement crossing visibility splay area, Jarvis Way.
DCC Progress on Kings Mill Bridge Repairs and extension of closure period
Copy letter from K Rabbetts to Transport Manager DCC
NDDC Introductory letter from Ian Manley Re-cycling and Waste Management
Request for Cardboard Bank from Mrs S Brooks
There being no further business the meeting closed at 10-10 p.m.
Chairman