On Wednesday 18th March 2009 commencing 7-40 p.m.
Present Councillors 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 C Cllr D Fox and 4 electors
To receive apologies P Ashcroft, B Alexandre, 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 Cowley that the following expenditure be approved
Four County Services. Computer protection Licence £103.50
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 £535.64 and Postage £43.86 £579.50
Four County Services 103.50
Gillingham T C 1,560.88
Westree 391.00
Direct Office 17.58
Wessex Water (6 months on meter) 32.76
Stalbridge Land Settlement 1,670.00
Proposed footpath Pound Close to Dike’s Car Park
The Clerk advised that a letter has been received from Spectrum Housing stating the amount payable for them to grant a wayleave over the land. However, our Solicitor is in communication with them regarding the granting of a Licence to use the land which should be cheaper. Will be placed on another Agenda.
Replacement street lighting
The cost of different types of lighting standards that the Town Council may want to have installed in special places had not been received. The Clerk will progress. J Cowley also suggested that Councillors check to see if there are any inadequately lit areas at present in order that these can be pointed out to the Contractors. To be discussed at the next planning meeting.
Water supply to Allotment Gardens
The Clerk advised that in spite of requesting other quotations, only one had been received, for the provision of a water supply from the extended Pond Walk Development to the Allotment Gardens. As it is important that this work is carried out in the near future, it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Grimes that the quotation from Mead Digger Hire be accepted. All agreed.
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
G Carr-Jones reported that the newly surfaced FP1 was suffering from dog fouling, but he had reported this to the Dog Warden and signs had been put up. Councillors might also like to consider purchasing additional Dog Warden hours.
W Batty-Smith reported that two very bad pot holes in Copse House Lane, which had been reported to the DCC have still not been dealt with. D Fox noted this.
J Cox reported the surface water drains blocked in Lower Road, below the Stalbridge Arms.
J Wardell asked if Councillors would object, if a proposal was put forward to move the bridleway from Station Road to the Wessex Water track, a few yards in an easterly direction, so that it did not run down Pinesway, but on the other side of the fence and to the rear of The Sidings until it meets up with the Trailway and then rejoins the original route by the side of Jarvis Field Play Area. There were no objections.
J Smith advised that the major work of removing the rubbish from the Bier House has been completed, there were a few bits and pieces left. He also asked if anything had happened about the loose stop tap cover on The Ring. The Clerk replied that our Maintenance man had been asked to deal with this.
D Grimes advised that he had contacted Wessex Water regarding a leak in Waterlake but nothing appeared to have been done.
Correspondence
Scouts. Invitation to St. George’s Day Parade
DCC R of Way. Re. JFPA proposed Footpath. Confirming that they are taking the matter forward. Letter also received from our Solicitor, J Foster-Pegg, advising that we should contact the original owners of the land to ask them to transfer the small area at the start of the path from Jarvis Way, which appears to still be in their ownership.
Clerk to write
E-mail from S Williams, Community Worker re. Youth Shelter and improvements to Children’s play area at J F P A
Letter from Environment Agency re. Groundwater Flood Watch
Details of A350 closure and diversion for 4 days from 6th April
J Rabbetts Public Transport Liaison, asking if the TC would support a request for an additional Bus Stop near Wards Hill. Clerk to reply in the affirmative.
DAPTC Chief Exec. Circular 03/09
Notification that the mobile breast screening unit will be in the Car Park from 4th April to 20th June.
NDDC Planning Policy Officer giving details of web site for accessing the Strategic Housing Land availability assessment
Copy of letter from S Hill NDDC to Messrs Butler and Nash of DCC re. Developer Contributions.There being no further business the meeting closed at 8-45 p.m.