On Wednesday 17th December 2008 commencing 7-00 p.m.
Present Councillors B Alexandre, P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, J Cowley, J Cox, K Garland,
D Grimes, J Smith, J Wardell and G Carr-Jones, Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance D Cllr. D Milsted
To receive apologies C Cllr D Fox and R Penfold
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.
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by J Cox that the following expenditure be approved
Dorset County Council. Library hours £2,743.00
Allianze Insurance. Toilets 71.76
J Cowley expressed concern regarding the costs involved with running the Toilets especially the non domestic rates that will apply. D Cllr Milsted advised that the NDDC are looking at the question of rates for all the Toilets that have now been taken over by the Town Councils, with a view to waiving these if possible.
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by J Cox that the following cheques be signed
D J Hine £535.64
B Telecom 163.92
Soc. Local Council Clerks. Subs 105.00
Stalbridge Hall. DAPTC meeting 20.00
Direct Office 112.79
NDDC Rent of land at Pond Close 11.50
Dorset County Council. Library hours £2,743.00
Allianze Insurance. Toilets 71.76
Cllr D Milsted Dorset Fire Authority
D Milsted explained the reason for his visit is to express the Fire Authority’s concern regarding Community Safety especially with regard to the fitting of smoke alarms. In 2007 there were no deaths relating to fires in Dorset however, so far this year there have been 11 mainly in the Poole/Bournemouth area. All 11 people were living on their own and smoke alarms were either not in place or not working correctly. A new leaflet/application form has been produced to encourage people to request a Home Safety Check by the Fire Authority who will also fit the latest smoke alarms in certain circumstances. He asked that Councillors pass the forms to anyone they think may be vulnerable but in particular those over the age of 70 living on their own. The Chairman thanked Cllr Milsted for coming and advised him that the Community Office would be happy to have a supply of the forms as well.
Discuss amount fo Precept 2009/10
It was agreed that the Clerk would produce a draft Budget for 2009/10 based on an increase of approximately 4% and the matter discussed on the 7th January 2009
Allotment Car Park and Water Supply
It was agreed to complete an application form to establish the cost of providing a water supply from the edge of the new Pond Walk Develpment to the Allotment Garden area. NDDC have asked for a contribution towards the cost of providing a permanent parking area for use by the allotment garden holders. This to be decided once cost of water supply is established.
Future of Bier House
J Smith has visited the Bier House and confirmed that he will arrange to dispose of the old mowers and handtools therein. Future use of Bier House to be discussed further.
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
W Batty-Smith advised that Mr Paulley of Halletts Farrm is appealing against the enforcement notices in respect of his property.
J Cowley reported that the wall adjacent the Dog Bin near Grove House has not yet been repaired.Clerk to write
He also advised that there is no re-cycling collection at Stalbridge Common also that the Post Box that was damaged in an RTA in the area has not been replaced. He also reported a deep hole in Copse House Lane just past Copse House Cottage. Report to DCC
K Garland advised that her and B Alexandre had met with the Youth Project Leader regarding the possibility of providing a Youth Shelter. S Williams the Community Worker is investigating grants etc.
P Ashcroft reported that the surface of the visibility splay at the entrance to Keeper’s Cottage, off Copse House Lane, had again subsided and requested a letter be sent to DCC. The Clerk advised that the matter should be reported by telephone to CLARENCE in the first instance to obtain a reference number. J Cox and J Cowley proposed that a letter be sent. The matter was carried on the Chairman’s casting vote.
Clerk to write
J Wardell advised that the warning bollards on Bazel Bridge are no longer in position. This matter to be reported to DCC via CLARENCE. She also advised that she had attended the Highways Seminar, she suggested that an accident book be kept in the Community Office to record any incidents on footpaths.
J Smith advised that he had attended the Budget Workshop at NDDC which he found very interesting.
Correspondence
NDDC Details of scheme to buy additional hours for Dog Warden
Information Com. Office. Details of new Publication Scheme
Mike Coker NDDC Offering Freehold of Toilets. It was agreed to take over the Freehold of the Public Toilets as the Clerk explained that there would be no cost to the Town Council providing we agreed to use a specified Solicitor.
A Morton. Complaining about graffiti near Waterlake. Now apparently gone
DAPTC C Exec. Circular 15/08
D Mumford. Street lighting consultation. To be invited to a meeting
Sturminster Newton TC re. Local Delivery reception. It was agreed to reply that a Friday night was not convenient for this.
N Fagan NDDC Explanation as to why p.p. given for dwelling in Gold Street
Notification of an appeal by B Paulley against decision to refuse p.p. for living accommodation etc., at Halletts Farm
DCC Library Newsletter
Dorset Strategic Partnership. Bulletin
Parish Councils Power to Promote Well Being Conditions.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
With regard to the complaints about the re-sited re-cycling bins in the Car Park, the Town Council discussed the matter and agreed to the new site on the 6th June 2008
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8-45 p.m.