On Wednesday 21st November 2007 commencing 8-10 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, J Cowley, K Garland, D Grimes, J Wardell and
W Batty-Smith Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
To receive apologies C Cllr D Fox, D Cllr G Carr-Jones, Cllrs. B Booth, J Cox
R Penfold and J Smith
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
J Cowley advised that there were various sacks deposited by the re-cycling bins.
Re. Item 10. W Batty-Smith advised that it has been agreed between DCC and NDDC to discuss further how the Developer Contributions received should be dealt with.
Clerk to progress work on JFPA fence etc., and also the question of trimming the trees overhanging The Cross.
Conditions of licence for scaffolding on highway by Anvil House to be checked. (Clerk’s note. The provision of the sleepers is part of the licence conditions and the scaffolding is checked on a regular basis by DCC Highways to ensure all conditions are being adhered to)
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by P Ashcroft that the following expenditure be approved
NDDC Local Delivery £5,787.00
Stalbridge B. Supplies Flat repair 45.23
New seat for The Close 246.75
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by J Cowley that the following cheques be signed
Playing Fields Grant £5,000.00
D J Hine Salary new rate November 522.82
D J Hine Back pay from 1st April 201.05 723.87
Bonus Saver back pay 8.88
Stalbridge Building Supplies 45.23
Monster Play (swing seats) 385.16
John Singleton 450.00
R Sharp NDDC £386.40
R Sharp JFPA & Pound 174.00 560.40
Stalbridge Hall Hire 20.00
Direct Office Supplies 119.78
NDDC 5,787.00
Library up-date
Apparently the DCC have been investigating the possibility of “self service” computer run set ups for Libraries but it would appear that to do this would cost far in excess of the present budget. There is a meeting regarding the Library on Thursday 22nd Nov.
Proposed Precept
The Clerk produced a draft budget and proposed Precept for 2008/9. It was agreed to discuss this and make a decision at the first Planning Meeting in January
Suggest names for roads on new Development off Barrow Hill
Apparently at the present time Bellway Homes are referring to the site as Hamstone Court and it was agreed that this is totally inappropriate as local stone is being used. After some discussion it was agreed to suggest Baker’s Field to reflect the connections with Dike’s Bakery.
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
The Clerk advised that Mr & Mrs Haskett of Wards Hill would like to provide a seat where the bus stops at the top of the driveway down to Stalbridge Hall. The seat would be the same model as that proposed for Stalbridge Close. There were no objections. Two seats will therefore be ordered and Mr & Mrs Haskett will reimburse the Council in due course.
J Cowley brought up the subject of the Dog Bin in Park Grove which some people feel is facing the wrong way. It was pointed out that enquiries have been made regarding turning the bin but we were told that this is not possible. The Chairman will enquire about this. J Cowley also requested sight of the letter from Mrs Lover re. pavements etc., and commented on the fact that the hole in the road adjacent to The Laburnams seems to have been there some time without anything being done.
K Garland asked if the TC were going to write and support Henstridge PC regarding their traffic problems. It was felt that whilst individual Councillors were, of course, free to do so, it would not be correct for Stalbridge to comment on Henstridge problems especially as they are in Somerset.
P Ashcroft advised that at present 8 Parishes have shown an interest in having a share of the SID. She also queried whether or not rates would be payable by the TC on the Public Toilets
J Wardell reported that the Grant has been agreed by Awards for All of £2,600 (which should now be in the Bank Account) towards the cost of the Health Walks booklets. The first walk was very successful. She also commented on the figure outside the Charity Shop in Station Road.
The No Cycling sign for the footpath from Coppern Way to Vale Road is missing.
W Batty-Smith advised that there is a problem with the drain on Church Hill but this has been reported and is being dealt with
Correspondence
Copy e-mail from M Hansford DCC Highways to Insp. Chalkley re. Entrance to Keeper’s Cottage, Copse House Lane.
E-mail from Emma Brown, Greenwood Tree Project asking for a contact/representative to identify veteran trees in our area.
DAPTC New Councillors Training evening. 11th Dec. 6-30 Dorchester.
DAPTC reminder re. D Webb leaving.
Sturminster Newton TC report on meeting with Parishes re. Parish Lengthsman and SIDS
John Foster-Pegg, re. purchase of land enclosing copy of letter from Trustees’ Solicitors requiring an undertaking re. costs.
SAS Playground Ltd. Offering playground maintenance/inspection service
DAPTC Agenda for AGM of N Dorset Area on 22nd November at Gillingham
Dorset Fire & Rescue Service details of Seasonal Advice
DAPTC Agenda for Town & Larger Councils meeting 30th November
Dorset CC re. Library Opening Hours.
NDDC Invitation for a representative to attend a budget workshop on 28th November
DCA Hugh DeIongh enclosing summary of Town Plan questionnaire
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-15 p.m.