Minutes of Town Council Meeting held in the Town Council Office
On Wednesday 19th November 2008 commencing 7-10 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, J Cowley, J Cox, K Garland,
D Grimes, R Penfold, J Wardell and G Carr-Jones, Chairman, (Cllr J Wardell took notes in the absence of the clerk)
In attendance None
To receive apologies D Cllr D Fox, Cllrs B Alexandre, J Smith, and D J Hine (Clerk)
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 changes:
Item 5 Sign Cheques – Note to read “A refund from W Water received £203.89 as a result of meter installation”
Item 7 Jarvis Play Area Children’s Section – Correct spelling from Mrs J Stroger to Mrs J Strowger, explained, and “it” was felt….
K Garland was thanked for laying the Wreath at the Remembrance Parade, and she thanked TC for giving her the opportunity to do it.
J Cowley asked if a Tree Surgeon had had a look at the tree behind Gray’s Garage.
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by J Cowley that the following expenditure be approved
DAPTC attendance at Highways Seminar £20.00
Soc. LCC. Book – Allotment Law 15.20
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by J Cowley that the following cheques be signed
............D J Hine Salary including increase and back pay £625.38
Bonus Saver Account. Back pay 3.50
RBL Remembrance Wreath. Section 137 25.00
Gillingham Town Council 1636.50
DAPTC 20.00
Soc. LCC 15.20
R Sharp NDDC £42.50 TC £65.30 107.80
Cornwall & Devon Media 14.31
Glasdon 333.42
John Singleton 481.25
Blackmore Vale Internet 184.00
OA Wiles (Hall Grant) 302.57
ND Electrical (Hall Grant) 250.28
Public Works Loan Board. Loan repayment 6817.20
In the absence of Mr D Milsted, it was agreed to proceed with item 7
Future of Bier House
John Smith had volunteered to clean/tidy the Bier House, and report back, but unfortunately he could not attend meeting. After some discussion about options (keep it clean and regularly monitored; Church to have toilets; available for general viewing) and observations from J Cowley about invasion of woodworm, it was decided to await John Smith’s report, and put it on the next agenda.
Plans for layout of Churchyard Extension
P Ashcroft provided copies of plans and a report (see attached) which she and J Cox had drawn up(with the assistance of P Cox for the photographs). J Smith was to provide detailed drawing plans later. P Ashcroft gave brief resume: there was a meeting with DWT in summer to discuss grant, and subsequently meeting with J Cox and J Smith. There was discussion about the pros and cons of retaining the existing, well established hedge; the removal of the railings; paths; Clerk knows of good hedge-laying contact for new hedge; is a drainage trench needed? Danger of falling in; new planting had to be wildlife friendly. It was agreed that further discussion with relevant people was needed. P Ashcroft was thanked for presenting the report, and her hard work, as was J Cox.
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
R Penfold had attended the AGM of the Sturminster Newton Youth Management Committee. Michael had replaced Tony as the new Youth Leader, and R Penfold had been re-elected Vice Chairman. J Cox stated that she had met Michael, and he seemed to be enthusiastic, with a ‘hands-on’ approach.
P Ashcroft advised that Mrs J Strowger had been in contact re Play Area Grants. It was suggested that she be put in touch with CDW Sarah Williams. She wants to put trees in small play area, for shade. It was agreed that she liaise with P Ashcroft and J Cox about suitable plantings. K Garland advised that Mrs Strowger might like to pop in to Office before Planning Meeting on Dec 3rd, when she was meeting CDW.
J Cowley remarked on an item of correspondence about the Lengthsman scheme, and cost of such. (W Batty-Smith advised cost around £2,000 pa.) Also report in BVM about seven MPs against the Revised Regional Spatial Strategy. The AGM for the DAPTC was to be held at Stalbridge Hall on Thursday 27th November, please could anyone help from 18.30 hrs. J Cox to liaise with Clerk about refreshments.
J Cox reported that Michael had shown interest in discussions about Youth Shelter; also that the Youth Club could have a Tombola Stall at the Christmas Event on Dec 5th.
W Batty-Smith reported on-going discussions with DCC Highways over state of A357 through Stalbridge centre, and the junction of Landshire Lane with same. There seemed to be no liaison with SCC, which he thought there should be, as they were the principle generators of traffic there. He listed road closures due imminently; and reported that there were ongoing problems again with DCC Highways about the proposed traffic calming in Station Road. He suggested sending a letter to NDDC about the undue delay in getting action from Highways, with a copy to Bob Walter.
J Cowley wondered what the situation was re re-imbursing the person who stood in for Clerk? Clerk to be asked to investigate position.
G Carr-Jones reported that there were NDDC Budget Consultation ‘roadshows’ – next one in Blandford. On the back of this, J Cowley queried whether date could be set for precept meeting. Agreed to wait until January 2009.
Correspondence
DCC Re. Top up hours for Library. From 3rd Nov to 31st March 2009 these will cost £2,743
HAAC Minutes of meeting 22.10.08
D Mumford Southern Electric Contracting. Requesting appointment to come and explain about new lighting installation
D Fox. Apologies for meeting. He is chasing clearance of path from Larks Meadow to Jarvis Way
Minutes of Community Partnerships meeting 14.10.08
NDDC re. Concealed entrance sign Station Road Car Park. Not NDDC suggest contact S Howard DCC
Sturminster TC Re. Local Delivery reception. Asking if TC would be interested in attending another meeting
DCC John Mann. Re. puddle outside office. M Hansford to inspect the problem
Mr D J Knight Hardy Crescent. Complaining about re-siting of re-cycling bins
N Fagan NDDC Correpondence regarding traffic calming in Station Road as a result of development off Car Park
DCC re. Local Transport Plan
DCC re. Parish Maintenance Units enclosing request form
N Dorset Local Delivery. Post Project Review
Details of Parish Lengthsman Scheme
NDDC enclosing Highway Drainage Responsibilities and Maintenance
D Neal. Re. Pond Walk Development. Querying how will be responsible for the hedge and bank to the rear of 9-21 Park Road when the development is completed.
Invitation to Portland Carol Service
Item 3 (D Mumford) W Batty-Smith explained that there was a rolling programme to replace all old street lights. P Ashcroft queried whether Stalbridge could volunteer to be one of the pilot towns to have lights switched off after midnight?
Letter from Mr D J Knight – suggested that Clerk replies to say that re-siting of re-cycling bins was part of Planning Application, and was discussed at the relevant Planning Meeting.
Letter from D Neal – needs investigation. Clerk to be asked to write to NDDC/Signpost to clarify whose responsibility.