Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 6th March 2008 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P122
Present:
Cllrs: J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, J.E. Jackson, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C. Pack, M. Penson, F. Roberts, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), 1 member of the public and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllr C. Hesmondhalgh (away); accepted.
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Pack that Standing Orders be suspended;
agreed.
Open Forum
The member of the public present had no matters to raise.
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Roberts that Standing Orders be reinstated; agreed.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 18th February 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Morton; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 7th February 2008
P109 Requests for allotments; of the letters received from people requesting allotments only three live in Thirsk. However, in the recent past other requests for allotments have been received and passed to Thirsk Hall Estates. Understand that John Bell is looking to see if there is any land which could be allocated for this.
P110 Public conveniences; ‘E’ mail sent to Steve Prentice at HDC requesting that signs be put in the toilets asking people to contact HDC if they have any complaints. Also chasing up the Town Council’s request that cleaning timetables be put in the toilets.
P110 Redundant signage on the Mind shop; nothing further on this.
P110 Signboards on the Industrial Estate; ‘E’ mail sent to Peter Simpson at HDC and acknowledgement received.
P110 Sign at The Workhouse; nothing further heard on this.
P110 “Welcome to Thirsk” pack; the PCC has taken no further action on this as yet.
P110 Millennium Green; the contractor is being reminded that we require the work to the footpath to be completed in this financial year.
P110 Post Office; the sign has now been removed from the old building. Reply received from Anne McIntosh MP enclosing a copy of a letter from the Business as Usual Change Manager at the Post Office explaining the reason for the move. Cllr Adamson felt the new premises are not fit for purpose. Cllr Penson urged people to write and complain. Cllr Marshall pointed out that some of the delay at the counter is caused because they no longer have forms out for people to pick up; a further letter to be sent to the Post Office about this. Cllr Penson referred to the finger post which currently points to the old Post Office and Cllr Watson advised that we are contacting HDC about this.
P111 Crossing near Bakers Alley; reply received from Jayne Charlton at NYCC advising that our request has been added to the Area Office’s Traffic Management
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Priority List of matters awaiting investigation. They will endeavour to investigate our request within six months. Cllr Watson advised that this was discussed at the Central Areas meeting and a letter is to be sent saying we are not satisfied and feel it should be treated as a high priority.
P111 Prohibition of Waiting Order re Picks Lane/Croft View; yellow lines now in place.
P111 Herbage Agreement for Castle Garth; signed and returned to John Bell.
P111 Thirsk and Sowerby Alcohol Consumption in Designated Public Places Order; letter sent to HDC confirming the Town Council’s agreement to this.
P111 Street cleaning; reply received from John Proud of HDC advising that many of the alleyways are private land. Mr Proud would like to introduce a scheme for businesses to keep the fronts of their premises clear of litter; this was felt to be a good idea.
P111 Traffic calming proposals for Norby Front Street; Cllr Adamson reported that he and Cllr Roberts had attended the meeting with the representative of NYCC, the developer and Cllr Dadd. Highways work to a set of protocols and must try the proposed scheme first; only if it does not work will they do something else. Cllr Watson felt a strong letter about this should be sent. Cllr Roberts advised that NYCC agreed that 6 months from the completion of the last house on the Norby site an independent safety audit will be carried out to see how the scheme is working. Cllr Marshall said that such proposed schemes sometimes go to the County Area Committee for Hambleton; agreed that we ask whether it is on the agenda for the next Area Committee meeting and, if not, request that it be included.
P112 Winter Maintenance Service leaflets; letter sent to John Marsden at NYCC.
P113 Carrs Field; reply received from Tony Jordan advising that they have not as yet been able to appoint a fifth Trustee although they are actively approaching suitable people. They are liaising with the insurance company to ensure they are adequately covered.
P114 Works on Long Street/Stockton Road etc; reply received from NYCC confirming that any utility company requiring to undertake work should contact the Town Council. They advise that omitting to do this and the lack of noticeboards has been raised with the utility company and the subcontractor. Reply also received from Northern Gas Networks advising that they are replacing old metal mains with plastic pipes and they notified all affected properties in advance. Cllr Marshall pointed out that utility companies wishing to carry out works on the highway have to consult the County Council; agreed that a letter be sent to NYCC asking them to notify us in future, also saying that we will be contacting them should any damage have been caused to Town Council property on Long Street.
P114 Plasticrete on the Little Green; letter sent to Peter Simpson, copy to Arthur Barker, of HDC in December and reply received from Clive Thornton requesting a little more time to deal with this. A chasing ‘E’ mail has since been sent to Clive Thornton. Cllr Marshall said the Greens Committee will consider this further as there are legal implications.
P115 Communities and Local Government on Orders and Regulations relating to the Conduct of Local Authority Members; ‘E’ mail sent pointing out that the list of questions does not meet its own criteria.
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P116 Grasscutting tenders; letters sent to C.E. and C.M. Walker accepting the tender and to the other contractor advising that he has not been successful. Letter now received from NYCC advising that the contribution they will make for 2008 will amount to £2,966.60. This is a reduction of £85.74 on this year and is because the number of cuts the County Council will be undertaking has been reduced to six from 2008; agreed that a letter be sent pointing out that we have fourteen cuts done and are therefore subsidising them.
Correspondence
NYCC – Notice re extension of 30 mph speed limit on Norby Front Street; noted.
HDC – Proposal re temporary road closure on 21st March for the Good Friday Procession of Witness; noted.
NYCC – Notification that the Rights of Way Improvement Plan for North Yorkshire was formally adopted by the County Council in October 2007 and is available at local libraries and on the website; noted.
Smiths of Derby – confirmation that the routine annual maintenance service of the Town Clock has been carried out and no problems were found; noted.
A photograph had been given to the Town Council showing car tracks across one of the grass verges on Cemetery Road. Cllr Roberts advised that whilst roadworks on Long Street have been ongoing cars have been racing along Newsham Road and Cemetery Road and going across this grassed area. It was felt this may resolve itself when the roadworks on Long Street are finished; to be monitored.
NYCC – Proposed amendments to the Finkle Street/Market Place junction; Cllr Penson suggested we ask the County Council to paint arrows on the cobbles showing the entrance and exit.
NYCC – Proposal to stop up a cobbled area on Millgate; no comments.
Resignation of Councillor Barry Ogleby
Letter received from Cllr Ogleby resigning from the Town Council; proposed accepted Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Morton; agreed.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
Already circulated to Cllrs. The following comments were made:
Yellow lining on Kirkgate; Cllr Watson thinks that NYCC may be starting to do this.
Willow trees on Riverside Mews; Cllr Penson advised that the Riverside Mews Residents are trying to find out the ownership of the land that the trees are on.
Possible introduction of car parking charges
(Cllr Watson declared an interest and Cllr Pack took the Chair for this item)
The minutes of the Public Meeting had been circulated to Councillors and Cllr Marshall pointed out that a list of the questions raised at the meeting is to be sent to HDC. Comments arising from the Public Meeting were made; Cllr Marshall advised that the first meeting of the Action Group is this evening. Cllr Roberts expressed concern that the Clerk had been asked to take the minutes of the Public Meeting on her day off and Cllr Marshall proposed a vote of thanks to the Clerk for doing this. Cllr Pack proposed a vote of thanks to Cllr Marshall for chairing the Public Meeting. Cllr Adamson advised that the Citizenship Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be looking at the proposed scheme at its meeting on 11th March; proposed Cllr Marshall,
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seconded Cllr Jackson that the views of the Town Council be sent with a request that they be circulated for discussion at that meeting; motion carried with 5 in favour and 2 abstentions. Agreed that a letter be sent to Anne McIntosh MP
Reports
Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts advised that the Carrs Field Trustees have now got the quote for the insurance and they are to let us have the invoice.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson advised that the Committee met on Tuesday. They are chasing the County Council about when the work is to be done to Millgate Bridge. A quote has been received from Malcolm Burnett for doing some pointing in Mill Gardens. A letter requesting that a CCTV camera be repositioned to the corner of Millgate and Riverside Mews has been sent to HDC. The grille has been removed from the tree near the White Horse Café and Clive Thornton has ordered a seat to go around the tree and we have asked HDC if a triangular seat can be fitted around the other tree; this should obviate the tripping hazard. Weatherspoons have been chased about the notices they are to put up. An application for funding for signs in the alleyways, an archway between the White Horse Café and the opposite building and re-surfacing two of the alleys has been put in.
Christmas Festivities - Nothing to report.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack is to call a meeting to discuss the Byelaws on St. James’ Green. She reported that quite a lot of work has been done on the Green; setts have been put across near “The Lord Nelson” to stop the gravel going onto the road and the other entrances have been tidied up. Cllr Marshall said she feels some more plants are needed in the beds on Long Street now that the large plants have been removed; Cllr Pack has asked Hollin Barn Nurseries to look at this.
Millennium Green - In the absence of Cllr Hesmondhalgh there was no report.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall advised that we have heard nothing further about the Big Lottery. An Open Areas meeting was held on 12th February to follow up on the visit to the School Council and on the progress of matters already reported. The Children’s Centre Manager has been contacted regarding the building materials etc dropped in the East Thirsk Play Area and it is expected there will now be an improvement with this. The Committee also went through the RoSPA Report.
Sensory Garden - Cllr Marshall reported that the survey of the harbour wall has been carried out. The advice is that the wall should be repaired, the trees should be removed and steps taken to ensure they do not grow again. A quote in the amount of £15,200 for this work has been received from a contractor who could start the work before the end of this financial year, to be funded from the grant money. It was felt necessary to obtain another quote and Bikers are to be asked for this; to be brought to the next appropriate Town Council meeting. Cllr Marshall stressed it is important the wall is sorted out before any work starts on the surface. Mark Haynes has completed the
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application to the Environment Agency and has also been in discussion with them. Cllr Marshall advised that some funding has been rolled forward to the beginning of the next financial year, but we need to start spending some of it. Cllr Marshall advised that it is necessary for us to do a survey of the memorials and put notices in the newspaper and on site; the survey has been done; proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Penson that we go ahead and advertise.
Ditches - Cllr Marshall advised that the survey has been carried out, but the report has not yet been received. We have not heard from Barretts’ solicitors. Details have been received from the Environment Agency about the design of a new top for the grate where the water goes underground; no action to be taken until survey report received. The Environment Agency has provided a list of the residents they wrote to requesting that no rubbish be dumped in the ditch.
Other Items of Interest and Information
Cllr Roberts advised that there was a recent article in the national press saying that on average there has been a hole in the road every 20 yards in every road in the country.
Cllr Marshall advised that the AGM of the Thirsk and Sowerby Civic Society is to be held on 11th March at Treske.
Cllr Jackson referred to the Amenity Tip at Sowerby saying that initially this worked very well. However, on a recent visit there he was refused assistance as the attendant who was there was dealing with paperwork and he was threatened with being banned from the site. For safety reasons it was felt to be important that there are enough personnel there at all times.
The meeting closed at 8.58 p.m.
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting
of Thirsk Town Council
held on Monday 17th March 2008 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C.M. Pack, M. Penson, F.M. Roberts, A. Robinson, County and District Cllr G. Dadd
Apologies:
No apologies received
Minutes of the last Annual Parish Meeting, held on 19th March 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Roberts; agreed.
Matters Arising
Silt under Millgate Bridge; to be dealt with this year.
Alcohol Free Zone; this is ongoing.
>
Chairman’s Report
Cllr Watson gave her report, a copy of which is in the Minute Book.
She also thanked the Clerk and Assistant Clerk for all their work during the year.
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that this report be accepted.
Representations from the Electors of the Parish
No representations received.
Other Items of Interest and Information
No items raised.
The meeting closed at 7.08 p.m.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 17th March 2008 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall
following the Annual Parish Meeting
Page P127
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C. Pack, M. Penson, F.M. Roberts, A. Robinson, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”) and the Clerk
Apologies:
No apologies received
Proposed approved Cllr Pack, seconded Cllr Morton, subject to one minor amendment on Page P125; agreed.
Police Report
No representatives of the Police present.
Reports
County and District Council
Cllr Dadd advised that Highways are looking at imposing a 3.5 tonne weight limit on Blakey Bridge with perhaps some road narrowing measures and possibly CCTV. Referring to the proposed traffic calming on Norby Front Street, Cllr Dadd advised that he has consulted some local residents informally on this and they had raised no objections to the build out. Cllr Dadd confirmed that a safety audit is to be carried out six months after the last building is built on the Wimpey site and he has obtained a written guarantee from the County Council that should this audit reveal the build out is not working or is a danger then it will be removed; he has given it his approval with that qualification. Cllr Dadd advised that dropped kerbs are to be put in on Sutton Road as disabled people are not able to cross. The yellow lines have now been put in on Picks Lane.
A public meeting with the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police has been organised for 22nd April.
As a District Councillor, Cllr Dadd advised that he will not be supporting the proposed car parking charges in Thirsk; he feels such charges are unfair on the people he represents.
Referring to the proposed traffic calming at Norby, Cllr Roberts reported that she had attended the Area Committee Meeting today. She had some discussion with Sgt John Hunter, the Road Safety Officer. He suggests that we go with the build-out, but that we insist it is not high because if the lighting on it is damaged/not working then a car accidentally hitting a high kerb in the dark could be badly damaged. She was assured that these comments will be taken on board. Cllr Dadd said he will suggest to the Officer at the County Council that he takes these concerns seriously. Cllr Robinson felt money would be wasted if traffic calming was put in and then had to be taken out and he expressed concern that it appeared the results of the consultation were being disregarded. Cllr Robinson referred to the yellow lines which have been put on Picks Lane saying he thinks they are further along Picks Lane than was originally shown on the plan. Proposed Cllr Robinson, seconded Cllr Marshall that the plans be checked and if this is found to be the case then a letter be sent to County; agreed. Cllr Dadd agreed to also check this with the County Council.
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District Council
Cllr Adamson advised that he had attended an unofficial meeting of the Local Plan Committee. Various questions have been asked and Officers are looking at these. Cllr Adamson reported that the latest Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting had looked at parking charges and has requested that the matter of parking charges in Thirsk be reconsidered. Another Scrutiny Committee Meeting is to be held tomorrow and another on 27th March.
Cllr Robinson reported that he had attended the Citizenship and Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting.
Cllr Jackson referred to the fact that another 20 people are to be recruited at HDC and felt it was inappropriate to appoint more people at this time when HDC are proposing to implement parking charges to raise funds.
Open Forum
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 18th February 2008
P117 Trees outside the White Horse Café; a circular seat has now been put in place around one of the trees.
P117 Community Emergency Scheme; reply received from Wendy Muldoon of NYCC giving possible dates for a meeting. She advises that it is proposed to update the Community Emergency Plan this year, possibly in September/October. Agreed we should proceed with the existing Plan and that Councillors who wish to be involved should get together after this meeting to sort out a date.
P117 Old Minute Books; the move of the old Minute Books to the County Records Office is still to be done.
P117 Thirsk Cricket Club; cheque for £25 to sponsor a Match Ball sent and letter of thanks received.
P117 CCTV statistics; nothing further received on this.
P118 Burial Board; in view of the fact that HDC cannot provide two wheeliebins for the Cemetery the Burial Board has decided not to pursue this, but to continue using the skip.
P118 Half price offers; Cllr Jackson expressed great concern at the practice of larger shops advertising goods such as strawberries marked at half-price as he feels this is misrepresentation. Cllr Penson enquired whether it would be possible to write to Tescos about this. Cllr Robinson pointed out that we have not received any complaints from the public. Agreed that we wait until the new EU Directive comes out later this year and see if it deals with such matters. In the meantime should individuals wish to write and complain about this then they can do so.
P119 District/Parish Liaison Meeting; ‘E’ mail sent to HDC pointing out that the time between receipt of the notice and the date for including items on the agenda is not sufficient. Also asking that car parking charges be included on the agenda for the meeting on 3rd March. A reply was received noting our comments about the deadlines and confirming that car parking charges would be put on the agenda for the March meeting. Cllr Roberts reported that she had attended the meeting and put our views forward; the view of the meeting regarding parking charges was the same as that of the Town Council. At the meeting Eric Kendal of HDC had spoken about recycling; items taken to the amenity tip to be recycled are not credited to HDC.
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P119 Proposed Waste Handling site at Dalton Industrial Estate; letter of objection sent to NYCC and copied to the Dalton Incinerator Steering Committee.
P120 Burial Board Report; the go ahead has been given for some minor work, ie sealing round the bath at Cemetery Lodge. A quote has been received for the other works and passed to the Burial Board who have now accepted it.
P121 Market stalls spreading goods over the cobbles; ‘E’ mail sent to HDC.
Finance
Accounts for Payment
Cllr Roberts queried the item on Chris Amy’s invoice relating to The Holmes Management Plan. Cllr Marshall explained that a Holmes Management Plan was drawn up some years ago with Chris Amy. Agreed that we pay the invoice, but ask Chris Amy where he is with the plan.
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Adamson that the following accounts be approved for payment with the above proviso; agreed:
Hollin Barn Nurseries – barrels and plants for The Holmes £360.00
Nigel Burn work to Long Street flower beds £75.00
F.D. Todd and Sons – Emptying Cemetery skip £140.58
Power Point – padlock for Carrs Field £8.62
Action for Market Towns membership renewal £126.90
HDC - office rent, qtr comm. 1.3.08. £844.53
R. Bennett - cleaning bus shelter windows £80.00
BHD Partnership Ltd – report on Harbour wall at Salem Chapel site £587.50
BT office phone £98.13
C.A. Amy – repainting seats as per Contract £1,250.00
C.A. Amy – Play Areas Inspections (4.2.08-2.3.08) £182.80
Litter picking/sweeping/planting £240.00
Erecting fencing around Christmas tree and Disposing of tree £180.00
Pruning/planting at various sites £226.00
Hedge cutting £215.00
Gapping up hedges £85.00
Holmes Management Plan £2,550.00
Thirsk Royal British Legion – donation to poppy wreaths £100.00
Mayor’s Allowance (2nd half of 2007/08) £250.00
Yorkshire Water – Water Rates at Cemetery Lodge (1st half) £210.62
HDC – Rates, April 2008 £52.05
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, February 2008 £516.04
C. Fitzgerald – artwork for the Sensory Garden (50% of cost) £2,056.25
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk and the Assistant to the Clerk will be paid in accordance with the Town Council’s usual policy
Paid Since Last Meeting
Zurich Municipal – Insurance for Carrs Field £735.00
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Income Received
HDC – Contribution to Sensory Garden £4,548.48
Luke Miller – sponsorship of one quarter of White Mare Roundabout £250.00
Burial Board: Rent £485.37
Interments £610.00
Grave Purchases £610.00
Reservation of Spaces in GOR £244.00
Memorials £254.00
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for February 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Pack; agreed.
Correspondence
HDC – Request for a temporary road closure on Sunday 20th April for the Vale of Mowbray Scouts St. George’s Day Parade; noted
HDC – advising that HDC is looking at how it can better relate to local communities and parish councils. As part of this they are to establish “area forums” based around each market town and through these local concerns can be aired. Comments on this proposal are invited and the arrangements will be reviewed in 12 months’ time. Cllr Marshall questioned the purpose of these meetings; further information to be requested. Cllr Marshall expressed reservations that it could undermine the Parish Councils’ role. Agreed that a letter be sent to HDC asking how its role with Parish Councils would work out and querying what they plan to do.
HDC – the Hambleton LDF Adoption of Development Policies Development Plan Document has now been received and any objections to matters contained in this must be made by 11th April 2008. The document is available in the Town Council Office for Councillors to read.
Samaritans – request for financial support. Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Marshall that a donation of £100 be made; agreed.
NYCC re Thirsk Service Centre Transportation Strategy; a 2nd Stakeholder Workshop is to be held on Thursday 10th April at 5.30 p.m. at Thirsk Community Primary School.
NYCC advising that new dropped crossing points and a short section of new footpath are to be installed at the junction of the A170 Sutton Road and Hambleton Place; the work is to start during week commencing 17th March.
Proposed Introduction of Car Parking Charges
(Cllr Watson declared an interest and Cllr Pack took the Chair for this item)
A letter objecting to the car parking charges was sent to HDC with the request that it be circulated to all members of the Citizenship and Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Safety and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Prosperity, Environment and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee prior to their meetings. A letter had been sent to HDC asking whether the 66% of “tourists” parking in the town included people from outlying villages and also asking whether a decision to introduce car parking charges was taken in 2005 and, if so, by whom. A reply received from Dave McGloin, but the response re the percentage of tourists was not clear; further information to be requested. Mr McGloin replied that the income from parking charges was included in HDC’s revised Financial Strategy which was agreed by Cabinet on 22nd November 2005 and formally approved by Full
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Council on 13th December 2005. Cllr Penson referred to the survey which was being carried out in the town, saying the questionnaire was very badly drawn up and she felt this would give HDC a misleading impression of what the public really feel.
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Morton that a letter be sent to HDC questioning the veracity of the questionnaire and the fact that it tries to persuade people to answer questions they do not want to answer; motion carried with 9 in favour and 1 abstention. Cllr Robinson advised that he attended the Citizenship and Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting and the fact that a letter had been received from the Town Council was referred to, but the letter was not read out. He had challenged Cllr Arthur Barker about the decision which was made in 2005/06 as it had not been agreed that parking charges would be dealt with in this manner. Cllr Robinson had put the suggestion about paying for discs to HDC. Cllr Marshall said it is unfair to expect the car users of Thirsk etc to pay and not those of Great Ayton and Easingwold and felt it is totally inequitable. Cllr Jackson referred to the leaflet enclosed with the council tax demands which says that HDC’s turnover is £37m, but only £3m of that is raised from the council tax and said HDC is therefore used to raising money in other ways. He was concerned at the extra 19.11 full time equivalent members of staff who are to be appointed and felt they may need even more people to run the car parking scheme. Cllr Marshall expressed her annoyance that our letter was not passed to the members of the Citizenship and Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee; proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that a letter of complaint about this be sent; agreed. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the letter also be sent to the “Darlington and Stockton Times” advising that it was not passed to the Committee; agreed. Cllr Roberts asked that we ring Peter Simpson at HDC and Cllr John Coulson tomorrow morning and ask they ensure that the letter is put before the Safety and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee tomorrow. Cllr Adamson said he will ensure it is read out at the Prosperity, Environment and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 27th March. Cllr Jackson felt the parish councils are not represented and suggested a poster campaign; Cllr Adamson pointed out that he represents the parish councils in his area. Cllr Marshall advised that the Action Group has met and has some good plans; she has asked they keep the Town Council informed.
Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
No applications received.
Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson expressed his annoyance at the fact that a large amount of prunings have been put in the Cemetery skip and it is necessary for it to be emptied again. Cllr Marshall suggested that the appropriate committees could make a contribution towards the cost of emptying the skip. Cllr Adamson advised that the damaged seat which was in the shed has been given to the tenants at Cemetery Lodge.
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Reports
Representatives
Cllr Marshall advised that she had attended an EngAGE Meeting last Friday; they are rolling out EngAGE over the whole of the district. Cllr Marshall reported that the Information Day had been very successful.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh had attended an East Thirsk Community Hall emergency meeting. Not enough people are using the facility. There should be a committee member from every user of the Hall. A further meeting is to be held on 26th March. There is concern that if the Committee members leave there will be no one to take it on.
Members
Cllr Marshall advised that the meeting of the East Thirsk Community Hall to be held on 26th March is open to the public; notices advertising the meeting have been put up and a press release has been done.
Cllr Marshall referred to the Sensory Garden; two quotes have now been received for carrying out the repairs to the harbour wall and she explained these. Cllr Robinson referred to the Town Council’s Standing Orders which require that for the amounts in question three quotes to be obtained. However, Cllr Marshall pointed out that there are extenuating circumstances, ie the need to make the harbour wall safe and the fact that it is necessary to have the work done soon in order not to interfere with spawning times etc. Cllr Roberts agreed, pointing out that the work is specialised and the Standing Orders have not been updated for some considerable time. The quotes had been put before the Sensory Garden Working Party and they were happy to accept the lower of the two quotes. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Morton that the lower of the two quotes in the amount of £11,000 be accepted; motion carried with 9 in favour and 1 abstention. It was revealed that this quote was supplied by Bikers.
Cllr Penson advised that a new PCSO has been appointed to replace Ian. She also mentioned that a new Polish food shop is to open on Millgate and that the windows of the photo shop and Julian Graves were broken some time ago.
Cllr Watson reported that the sign outside the “Red House” needs repositioning. She advised that the seat which was formerly chained to the tree outside the White Horse Café is being stored at the moment.
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Pack that the public and press be excluded for a confidential item; agreed.
The number of drakes was mentioned. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Penson
that we apply to Natural England for a Licence re their collect and relocate service
and obtain further details, together with an idea of costs; agreed.
The meeting closed at 9.20 p.m.