Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 21st February 2005 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall
Page P0128
Present:
Cllrs D Adamson (Chairman), S Hubbard, R Mallett, J Marshall, A Morton, C Pack, K Reynard, F Roberts, A Robinson, J Watson, Mr P Richardson, Head of Adult Services (Commissioning) for the Hambleton and Richmondshire Area of NYCC (second item only) and the clerk.
Apologies:
Cllr J Jackson (away).
Proposed Cllr Mallett, seconded Cllr Marshall that Standing Orders be suspended.
Talk by Mr Phil Richardson, Head of Adult Services (Commissioning) for the Hambleton and Richmondshire Area of NYCC re Cherry Garth.
Mr Richardson explained that Cherry Garth is one of a number of elderly people’s homes, which they intend to reconfigure to make into Extra Care Housing. There are various options: (1) remodel the services within the existing building; (2) a new build on the same site; or (3) a new building on a new site. The disadvantages to Option (1) would be accommodating the residents whilst this is going on - space is limited and it would therefore be difficult to build a modern Extra Care Housing scheme. Option (2) would involve moving the residents out whilst work was done – a move to Tanpit Lodge had been mentioned. Mr Richardson advised that funding has not yet been approved for Cherry Garth or Tanpit Lodge. Referring to Option (3) Mr Richardson said there are no sites in mind – any such site would need to be accessible to local community services. Mr Richardson stressed that whichever option is pursued it would need to be in the best interests of the residents. Cllr Morton asked whether less people would be able to be catered for if they rebuilt on the existing site. Mr Richardson agreed there would be a smaller number as there would be better facilities. Cllr Roberts raised the question about people who are not able to look after themselves and Mr Richardson explained that care increases to meet their needs. Cllr Reynard felt there should be facilities for people with dementia/Alzheimer’s at Cherry Garth. Mr Richardson said the Town Council will have the opportunity to make its views known when the new unit is being commissioned. Cllr Reynard felt it should be on the site of Cherry Garth and Cllr Marshall agreed, pointing out that it is near the town centre and easily accessible. Mr Richardson stressed that in the Extra Care complexes the elderly people are tenants and couples would not be split up. He said that the future lies in Extra Care Housing, together with EMI homes. He is in discussion with Broadacres re day services, extra facilities etc.
Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Marshall that Standing Orders be reinstated.
Minutes:
Proposed approved Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Watson, subject to an amendment on Page P0126.
To receive the Police Report:
Cllr Marshall advised that the new Inspector, Inspector Richardson, is starting in March. Cllr Hubbard pointed out that during half term there was more vandalism in the town.
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To Receive Reports:
County Council
Cllr Marshall advised that there are two lighting schemes for St Mary’s and part of Hambleton Place. The County Council has set its precept at 4.9%. Cllr Marshall referred to the Electoral Review and said that the Boundary Commission’s views are to be upheld as to the divisions in North Yorkshire. The A19 is to be resurfaced with a low noise surfacing, starting on 14th February. Cllr Marshall reported that at the initiative of the Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership the Home Secretary had recently visited the Clock Café where the young people had behaved very well and the Home Secretary was very impressed. Cllr Robinson asked whether the Town Council was invited and Cllr Marshall said not as these visits are organised by the Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership. Cllr Marshall advised that a lot of work and planning has gone into the entrances and the work on these should be done in March. Finger posts around the town are being looked at and when the details are finalised Cllr Marshall will bring the details to a meeting. Agreed that prices be obtained for new arms on the finger post in the Market Place as one arm is pointing towards the old police station.
District Council
Cllr Marshall advised that a meeting is to be held tomorrow at which the Council Tax is to be decided. The Thirsk Local Plan Committee is to meet on Wednesday afternoon.
Open Forum:
No members of the public present.
To consider Matters Arising:
P0124 Police matters; reply received from Sgt Frank advising that he is keeping an eye on Ingramgate, but there does not appear to be a problem with pavement parking there. He has asked officers to pay attention to Castlegarth in the course of their patrols. Sgt Frank also gave the correct story of the discharge of a shotgun in Hambleton Drive.
P0124 Closed Churchyard at St Mary’s Church; a site meeting had been held, attended by The Rector, two representatives of the church, Clive Thornton, Cllr Roberts and the clerk.
P0124 Flooding; a spreadsheet of the replies is now being prepared.
P0124 Graffiti on the clock; the details of suitable chemical cleaners received from Tony Robinson have been passed to Chris Amy.
P0124 Plaque on ‘The Three Tuns’; unveiled by the Mayor today.
P0124 Trees in the Cemetery; quotes being obtained. So far one has been received.
P0124 Periodic Electoral Review; letter received from the Electoral Commission advising that the recommendations of the Boundary Committee have been accepted and the order has been signed.
P0124 Local Plan Meeting; looking at 15th March for this.
P0124 District Councillors’ Reports; County and District Councillors’ Reports now moved to higher up the agenda.
P0125 Donation to Christmas Lights; letter of thanks received from the Ladies Chamber of Trade.
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P0125 Citizens Advice Bureau; letter advising that the Outreach service to Thirsk is now being resumed.
P0125 Rybeck Farm; Edward Barker to present his concept drawings to the meeting on 3rd March.
P0126 Pipe from Millennium Green; letter sent to Broadacres.
P0126 Burial Board Report; Quotes being obtained for trees. Cllr Adamson advised that he had looked at the wall – no work to be done on it at the moment. Cllr Reynard wished her concerns regarding the wall to be noted.
P0126 Concrete road; letter received from the Highways Agency advising that carriageway reconstruction works to include low noise surfacing on part of the A19 are to be carried out between February and May 2005.
P0127 Small businesses rate reduction; form received in respect of the rates of the Town Council Office – this has been completed.
P0127 Trees on the other side of Cod Beck; letter sent to John Bell.
P0127 Soil in the Tranmire Beck; letter sent to the County Council.
P0127 Footpath signs; reported to Peter Penny.
P0117 HDC letterheading; reply received advising that the letterheading is due to be reprinted shortly and if need be the Contact Centre number can be incorporated in the letterheading. The fax number has been omitted because most people contact them by telephone or ‘E’ mail.
Finance:
To Approve Accounts for Payment:
(Cllr Adamson declared an interest regarding the reimbursement to M I’Anson in respect of the Millennium Green)
Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Hubbard that the following accounts be approved for payment:
Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall – Annual Insurance £907.54
D.J. Mann – cleaning bus shelter and noticeboard £28.50
M.L. Burnett – fixing seat on Little Green £14.00
Julie Harron – Salary, February 2005 £292.50
Elaine Coulson – Salary, January 2005 £1,016.37
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, January 2005 £571.30
C A Amy –litter picking £200.00
weekly inspections £182.80
fence around Christmas lights etc £150.00
work on trees on The Holmes £825.00
M I’Anson – reimbursement for skip and saw £163.77
Paid since last meeting
YLCA – 1 place on “Councillor Skills” Seminar for Cllr Adamson £18.80
YRCC – 1 place for Saturday only on Parish Government £57.58
BT – Internet line £83.84
Npower – office electricity £179.93
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Income received
Refund of VAT (1.10.04-31.12.04) £1,379.33
Burial Board: Rent of Cemetery Lodge £397.12
Interments £715.00
Grave Purchase £220.00
To receive and approve the monthly balance sheet and budget report for January 2005 (copies already circulated).
Proposed approved Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Marshall; accepted.
Cllr Marshall advised that we are still mid-audit. There is currently a query, which we have passed back to our Internal Auditors.
To approve Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials:
No applications received
To receive Correspondence
Defra re the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill
Henry Hyams giving notice of an application made by Jonathan Prendergast and Julie Ann Prendergast to renew the Gaming Licence at the Regent Bingo and Social Club
National Probation Service; offering the opportunity to invite a member of the North Yorkshire Probation Board to attend a Town Council meeting; agreed that this be arranged for June/July.
The Royal British Legion requesting financial assistance towards the cost of the administration of their annual events. Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Roberts that a donation of £100 be made; agreed.
NYCC re new brown and white sign which they would like to put on The Holmes – they would also take down the two existing car park signs; this was agreed.
Mouchel Parkman advising that works on the A61 Market Place will not now start until after Easter.
HDC; TPO at 74 Hambleton Avenue – Order confirmed.
HDC; TPO at the Old Rectory – plan showing location of trees included in the Order.
NYCC; copy of a letter to the residents of part of the Hambleton Estate re renewed street lighting.
Carrs Field; letter from Chris Amy expressing concern at the state of Carrs Field and suggesting that the Town Council approaches the Trust with a view to managing the site. Proposed Cllr Robinson, seconded Cllr Morton that a letter be sent to the Trustees advising that we have received a complaint about Carrs Field and pointing out that there is £1,444.78 remaining in this year’s budget which can be spent on improving this area. Cllr Hubbard advised that he is resigning as Chairman of Carrs Field and, because of his workload, will be resigning from the Town Council. Cllr Roberts expressed the view that there are not enough people on the Carrs Field Trust. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the Carrs Field Trust could ask the Town Council to manage it on their behalf. Cllr Hubbard had approached Abigail about getting some of the young people from the Clock Café to be involved in it, but had not received any feedback as yet. Cllr Hubbard felt it would be better if there were more attractions for families, eg by having picnic tables, basketball hoops etc.
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To receive and approve amendments to the Charitable Scheme for Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall:
The Town Council’s amendments accepted with one exception. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Mallett that this be accepted.
To decide on holding a second monthly Council Meeting:
Cllr Adamson pointed out that the Town Council is entitled to have as many meetings per month as it wishes. It was suggested that a further Council meeting be held on the first Thursday of the month in place of the former Amenity Committee Meeting, starting at 7.30pm and finishing not later than 9.45pm. Proposed Cllr Mallett, seconded Cllr Roberts; agreed.
To receive Burial Board Report:
Cllr Adamson confirmed that quotes are being obtained for the tree work in the Cemetery. He advised that the cost of heating oil has doubled and prices are being obtained for putting gas into Cemetery Lodge and it may be necessary to have a new boiler. Once the quotes are obtained a Burial Board meeting will be held.
To Receive Reports:
a) Representatives
Cllr Roberts confirmed that the CAB in Thirsk has re-opened. Time has been purchased from Ripon CAB, therefore money given by Thirsk will be used in Thirsk.
Cllr Roberts reported that the Market Towns Initiative is in its last few weeks and all monies have been spent. The Thirsk Initiative has been highly successful and over £1m has been spent in Thirsk in the last few years. Discussions are currently taking place to ascertain where the next run of money will come from. Mark Haynes is currently working in Thirsk one day a week, with another person also working one day per week.
Cllr Pack had attended a meeting at Thirsk Clock and said the young people’s behaviour recently was exemplary. The Café is now open three nights per week and Saturday afternoons and they are looking for new premises. A lot of work is going on and a lot of young people are finding work through the Café.
Cllr Robison reported that the Palliative Care Unit at the Lambert Hospital is still underway.
Cllr Marshall reported on the Interpretation Boards, saying that the Working Group is meeting regularly. A launch was held recently and this went very well. A series of workshops has been set up with schools and other groups to work on the boards.
Referring to the Long Street Enhancement, Cllr Marshall said the planters are expected shortly. A landscape consultant has been consulted to design the planting of the planters and the beds. It is hoped it will be done by the end of March.
Cllr Adamson reported that the Millennium Green Committee had met; Mike I’Anson was appointed Chairman and Cllr Adamson Secretary. A working day was held last Saturday. The trees on Millennium Green to be checked; the Town Council to do this.
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Cllr Morton advised on a new pricing structure at the swimming pool. There are to be Premier Cards (can use everything at the pool), Standard Cards (can use some of the things at the pool) and a Children’s Card. Children under 3 are free. Also a separate pricing structure for retired, disabled and unemployed people. They are encouraging people to pay by direct debit. Hoping to increase their annual income by around £11K.
Cllr Adamson had attended a meeting at the British Legion re the VE/VJ celebrations and party. The parade is to start at Sowerby War Memorial and come back into the town
. Cllr Adamson advised that a School Governors’ meeting had been held and the boiler is to be replaced.
He reported that all is going well with the East Thirsk Community Association.
Cllr Adamson reported that he had unveiled the blue plaque on ‘The Three Tuns’ this afternoon.
Cllr Adamson proposed that Standing Orders be suspended for a further ten minutes, seconded Cllr Morton.
Cllr Roberts advised that the Planning Committee felt the materials to be used for windows should be included on the planning application form. A letter had been sent to Maurice Cann who had replied saying this was a very good point and he is to give instructions for the planning application forms to be amended accordingly.
b) Members:
Cllr Roberts felt it would be a good idea to have a recycling bin for plastic bottles in Millgate car park; a letter to be sent to HDC.
Cllr Hubbard advised that the floodlighting at St Mary’s Church is due to be finished this coming weekend.
Cllr Mallett advised that the triangular piece of garden at Waterside is full of rubbish; a letter to be sent to Broadacres.
Cllr Morton pointed out that there is a lot of news about staffing at the Friarage. Cllr Marshall said the Health Scrutiny Committee is looking at this. There will be a series of public meetings to be held around the area.
This was followed by three items of a confidential nature.