On Wednesday 29th August 2007 commencing 8-00 p.m.
Present Councillors B Alexandre, P Ashcroft, J Cowley, J Cox, K Garland,
D Grimes, R Penfold, J Wardell, and W Batty-Smith Chairman , D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance No members of the public attended
To receive apologies Cllr D Fox, 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.
Matters arising
Item 7. Local Delivery A meeting was held with Lydlinch, Stourton Caundle and Marnhull, as a result it was decided to try and arrange a meeting with Mr S Hill of NDDC in an endeavour to discover how those items that the parishes are not going to take over will be dealt with. We have asked Gillingham TC if they are interested in quoting for the Toilet Cleaning and Pavement Sweeping.
Item 9. The application to Awards for All for the Health Walks booklet is in hand.
OPEN FORUM No comments
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
Society of L C C Conference £305.00
Novatech (a grant will be received for £834.05 and
the balance is VAT which will be reclaimed) £980.01
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by J Cox that the following cheques be signed
D J Hine Salary 247.05 Postage £25.65 £272.70
Novatech 980.01
B Telecom 143.50
R Sharp 679.60
Direct Office Supplies 13.51
Goldprint 30.00
Proprint2K 57.57
Proposed purchase of additional land for Churchyard
Messrs. Savills, the Agents for the Stalbridge Estate have offered to sell the pieces of land, as requested by the Town Council, to the Town for the sum of £5,000 plus all legal and surveying costs and the fencing etc., of the land. It was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by J Cowley that this was proceeded with. All agreed.
Clerk to write
The Clerk advised that there is the possibility of a grant from Dorset Wildlife Trust if certain conditions are met and also that the Agricultural College may well be interested in the establishing of the hedges.
Update on improvements to J F P A
It was agreed that the following works need to be carried out
The Seat in the Dog Walk area needs painting. J Smith will ascertain if the Scouts will do this.
The chainlink fence near the Kissing Gate needs repair/replacing
The new fence at the top end has one loose post and wire needs tightening
New swing seats, 2 flat and 1 cradle to be purchased
The elder bushes around the children’s area need disposing of
Quotes to be obtained for filling and turfing the areas under the swings and multi-play system.
The hedge bordering the bridleway to be trimmed
Adopt new Code of Conduct
Stalbridge Town Council resolved to adopt the Model Code of Conduct for Parish and Town Councils including paragraph 12(2) under the Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007 No.1159. (Clerk’s note. This will necessitate replacing current model standing orders 58 and 70 with the following. Adoption of these replacement S Os will be placed on next T C Agenda
Standing Order 70A
At all meetings of the Council, the Chairman may at his/her discretion and at a convenient time in the transaction of business, allow any members of the public to address the meeting in relation to the business to be transacted. Such sessions form part of the Council meeting in law and shall be duly minuted. The Code of Conduct which was adopted by the Council on the 29th August 2007 shall apply to members of the Council in respect of the entire meeting. Where, however, members of the Council exercise their rights pursuant to SO70B below, members of the public shall be allowed to attend the meeting to (a) make representations (b) answer questions or (c) give evidence relating to the business to be transacted.
Standing Order 70B
At all meetings of the Council, the Chairman may permit members of the Council (including co-opted members as defined by s.49 (7) Local Government Act 2000) who have a prejudicial interest in relation to any item of business to be transacted at that meeting to (a) make representations, (b) answer questions or (c) give evidence relating to the business to be transacted. Such sessions form part of the Council meeting in law and shall be duly minuted. The Code of Conduct which was adopted by the Council on the 29th August 2007 shall apply to members of the Council in respect of the entire meeting.
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
J Cowley wished to arrange to check the Town Inventory. The Clerk will provide copies and Councillors will meet on Wednesday 5th September to do this. He also asked about contacting the MP regarding the refusal of DCC to provide a Pedestrian Crossing. It was agreed to write to him.
Clerk to write
B Alexandre advised that DCC had carried out the repairs to the footpath wall in Stalbridge Weston very efficiently. She also asked if the Notice Board could be moved. A query was raised regarding the Bus Shelter. B Alexandre will ask the S Weston residents if they are happy about moving the Notice Board and whether or not they still want the Bus Shelter
R Penfold and J Wardell produced a report on the present state of the Public Toilets. It was agreed to send a copy to Mr B Bray NDDC and to arrange a meeting with him.
Clerk to write
D Grimes advised that the problems with young people drinking and riding scooters in the area of Fudge’s Bakery, the Cold Store and the new Trailway, have been reported to the Police
Correspondence
Shaping our Future – Community Strategy for Dorset
DCC – Acknowledgement of complaint about entrance to Keeper’s Cottage. As we do not appear to be able to make progress on this it as agreed to write to the Local Police
NDDC- Copy of Sales Particulars for The Sidings
DCC Update of work to Kings Mill Bridge
DAPTC Ch. Exec. Circular 09/07
Sturminster Newton TC Invitation to meeting 12th Sept. re. Local Delivery
NDDC Copy of presentation to made on 25th July re. Tough Choices
Details of Flood Wardens’ Seminar
Copy of letter from Transport Rep. to DCC
NDDC E-mail requesting official support for LIFT SW funding
NDDC Supplementary Planning Document. Managing housing land supply
DCC List of road maintenance schemes for 2008-9
E-Mail from NDDC in reply to ours regarding dog bins and pavement sweeping
Introductory e-mail from J Foser-Bazin NDDc (replacement for Wilbert Smith)
DCC P Leivers Suggesting amendments to notes of meeting 10th May
NDDC Notification of request for road closure for Christmas event
DCC reply to request for additional footpath will be put forward for consideration
DCC reply to request for additional speed limits. A357 limits under review
DCC e-mail re. Library running costs
NDDC Notification that P Apps 0640 – variation of conditions Land off Car Park and 0223 Erectr 25 dwellings off Barrow Hill, will be considered on 4th September
DCC Notification of road closure at Warr Bridge
DCC Survey of Highway Maintenance
Banyards letter of introduction re. Grounds Maintenance Works
NALC details of Conference at Bournemouth
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
J Cox and J Smith gave their apologies with regard to the next meeting.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-30 p.m.