On Wednesday 15th April 2009
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, J Cowley, J Cox, K Garland, D Grimes, R Penfold
J Wardell and G Carr-Jones, Chairman D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance 1 elector and Ms L Hinks, Funeral Director
To receive apologies D Cllr D Fox, Cllrs B Alexandre, W Batty-Smith, 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.
Arising
J Wardell asked if a sign could be put up indicating a Permissive Bridleway on the path from Jarvis Way to the Trailway. However, this has not yet been granted. She also asked if a reply had been sent to the letter from the Rights of Way Dept., regarding the complaint about damage to the surface of the Trailway where the JFPA fence had been erected. No reply had been sent as no-one else felt there was a problem.
Proposed Expenditure In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by J Cox and seconded by J Wardell that the following expenditure be approved
Hammond Builders. Repairs to Toilet door 128.36
Williams Nursery. Replace tree on The Ring 60.95
Remove iron fence – Churchyard 150.00
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by J Cox and seconded by J Wardell that the following cheques be signed
D J Hine Salary 554.26
Hammond Builders 128.36
Mead Digger Hire. Allotment water supply 943.00
B Telecom 156.95
Williams Nursery 60.95
Gillingham Town Counci;l 1636.50
DAPTC Subscription 623.36
NDDC Business Rates 1142.38
Remove iron fence in Churchyard 150.00
Churchyard extension
With regard to the land adjacent to the Churchyard acquired by the TC as an additional burial area, the Chairman invited Ms Hinks to explain the difference between a Churchyard and a Cemetery. Ms Hinks advised that a Churchyard is consecrated ground and a fee of £190 is payable for someone to be buried therein. A cemetery is not consecrated ground and a plot of land may be purchased and then a fee is payable on this plot being used. The Town Council felt that the land should be used as an extension to the Churchyard and it was decided to meet with the Church Wardens to discuss this. Enquiries will be made as to whether or not it is permissible for the Town Council to lease the land to the Church for this purpose at a “peppercorn” rent. (Clerk’s note. Have discussed this point with DAPTC who do not see a problem with this) With regard to the footpath across the area (for use by the residents in Stalbridge Park only) it was agreed that this should run across the top of the area and down the side where the ditch is at present. Enquiries to be made as to the cost of filling in this ditch with the “spoil” from the already excavated graves in the existing Churchyard. It was also agreed to pay the quoted price of £150 for the existing iron railing fence to be removed. The Chairman thanked Ms Hinks for attending the meeting.
Street Lighting.
It was agreed not to proceed further with additional decorative lamp columns. It was reported that Light No.29 in Thornhill Road was permanently on.
Pound Close to Dike’s Car Park – Footpath
Notification received from our Solicitors that Signpost are willing to either grant a Licence to use the area at an approximate total cost of £650 or a Wayleave which would cost approximately £1,000. The difference being that a Licence could be revoked at some stage. However is was proposed by J Wardell and seconded by J Cox that a Licence should be requested. All agreed.
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
J Cowley requested that a quote be obtained for permanently fixing the manhole cover and surround on The Ring.
Clerk to obtain
He also advised that the deep hole at the top of Copse House Hill had been filled at last, but several others in the vicinity had not.
D Grimes reported two holes in the road at the entrance to Waterlake.
P Ashcroft advised that Mr N Brown had asked what was happening about the “damage” to he surface of the Trailway. She had replied that no-one else agreed with his comments. Mr Brown also asked who had taken away the old posts alongside the Wessex Water track. This had been done by the Town Council.
The Lighting Group had asked if there was anything in the Budget regarding the Christmas Lights. The Clerk advised that there is £500, and if they wanted some in 2010 they must apply before December 2009.
With regard to the Churchyard extension, there is a problem with horses in the adjoining field trying to eat the new hedge.
J Wardell asked if the stone stile which had been removed to allow the development in Pond Close, is going to be re-sited. (Clerk’s note. The stile has now been re-sited)
R Penfold advised re. the problems at The Stalbridge Hall, that the Police are being kept informed regarding bookings on Friday/Saturday evenings and they have promised to attend especially if they feel there could be trouble.
J Cox gave her apologies for the Annual Parish Meeting and the Annual Town Council Meeting.
G Carr-Jones suggested that a notice should be put up advising of the times the Public Toilets are open.
Correspondence
NDDC Local Development Scheme
E-mail from D Mumford SEC suggesting meeting regarding alternative lamp colums
Portland TC invitation to Civic Service 26th April - No
Report from Sherborne CAB
DAPTC C. Exec Circular 04/09
DAPTC Minutes of Larger Councils meeting with particular reference to the Dorset Credit Union
E-mail from M Brownbridge NDDC re. funding for Play Equipment – Ask Sarah Pickering to attend a meeting.
E-mail from Steve Shaw re. Sustainable Communities Act
Henstridge Airfield CC Interim report and summary statistics
Hugh de Iongh. Re, Market Towns dealing with current recession
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-15 p.m.