Thirsk Town Council

Minutes of the Town Council Meeting
held on Thursday 6th May 2010 at 7:30pm in the Annexe,
Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall

Present:
Cllrs: D. Adamson (Chair), C. Hesmondhalgh, A. Morton, A. Pagram, J. Watson.

Apologies:
Cllrs: J. Jackson (abroad), J. Marshal (election), C. Pack (work), M. Penson (family), F. Roberts (meeting).

178. Minutes
Resolved:
a) that the minutes of the meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on 19 April 2010 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.
b) that the minutes of the Planning committee held on 22 April 2010 be received.

179. Matters arising from the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 1 April 2010.
179.1 Equipment Demonstration Thirsk Fire Station.
Cllr Watson advised that the demonstration had been well attended and worthwhile.
179.2 Greens and Ingramgate
The Clerk advised that the topographic survey had been received.
179.3 Ditches
The Clerk advised that a resident had been told by Barratt’s that the land transfer document was just awaiting a second director’s signature.
179.4 Market Place Cobbles
Cllr Adamson reported that HDC were to replace the cobbles later in the year primarily due to the fact that the work could not be undertaken during warm dry weather and also to avoid the loss of parking during the summer months.

180. Correspondence/Items Raised
180.1 Tree Survey
The meeting received a letter dated 23 April 2010 from A. Whitehead Associates Ltd advising of a personal tragedy that had resulted in the delay to the commencement of the survey. The survey was to be undertaken in the near future.
Resolved: that the letter be received and noted.

181 Ongoing Amenity Items
181.1 Notice Boards Industrial Estate.
Cllr Watson noted that it appeared that notice boards were in place on the industrial Estate. It was agreed that the outstanding issue was now the A Boards onsite.
181.2Relocation of Ducks
The meeting was advised that the Town Council had been approached by a resident regarding the low number of ducks and ducklings on the river. The resident had been advised that the Town Council had not undertaken any relocation and that the issue would be sent to the various relevant organisations.

182. Minutes/Reports from Committees /Working Parties
182.1 Central Areas
The Meeting received the Minutes of the Central Areas Committee held on 13 April 2010. Cllr Watson advised that four parties had expressed an interest in carrying out the proposed work at Mill Gardens.
The Committee was seeking details of the District and County Councils policy on providing and removing sandbags following which a letter would be sent to relevant residents.
Cllr Watson advised of the problems associated with alleyways including lack of cleaning and pigeon droppings. She noted that it had been hoped that HDC would net the roof of 49 Market Place and the brewery the roof of the Darrowby.
Cllr Watson considered that Alleyways should become a full Council item and that the Council should examine ownership with a view to considering what could be done and having a policy in place.
Resolved:
a) that alleyways be an ongoing Town Council item
b) that the Town Council examines ownership of alleyways.
182.2 Ditches
A meeting was to be arranged.
Cllr Morton referred to the information previously given in respect of Barratts apparently now progressing the land transfer document, but was concerned that the part of the ditch adjacent to St Mary’s Walk which would not be included in the transfer was also full of rubbish.
Cllr Watson considered that if the Tranmire Ditch now moved forward it would be a starting point and removal of the rubbish at the St Marys end could be examined in due course.
182.3 Greens and Ingramgate
A meeting was to be arranged.
182.4 Sensory Garden
Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised on the Working Party Meeting held on 19 April 2010.
She noted that it was hoped that the garden would soon be open to the public.

183. Items of Information
Cllr Watson advised that an A board had been sited to the front of Wetherspoons and this had caused problems on Monday market day particularly for disabled people who had difficulty in negotiating past the item

The Meeting closed at 8.07pm

Minutes of the Town Council Meeting
held on Monday 17th May 2010 at 7:15pm in the Annexe,
Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall

Present:
Cllrs: D.Adamson (Chair), C.Hesmondhalgh, J.Marshall, A.Morton, C.Pack, M.Penson, F.Roberts, J.Watson.

Apologies:
Cllrs: J. Jackson (abroad), A. Pagram (other engagement), A. Robinson(ill).

184. Minutes
Resolved:
a) That the minutes of the Meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on 6 May 2010 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair
b) That the minutes of the Planning Committee held on 6 May 2010 be received.

185 Police Report
Cllr Watson reported on her monthly meeting with Inspector Osbourne.
There had been no problems associated with the races, staff had been briefed with regard to overspill from public houses, play areas had been discussed and the Police were aware of the incidents concerning stones being thrown at cars driving past the Fire Station. HDC had been contacted with regard to the empty property on Stockton Road. There had been a limited response to the neighbourhood watch promotion and some problems were being experienced with overflow car parking.
Cllr Adamson advised of problems being experienced with youths at Norby.

186. Reports on Matters relating to Thirsk
186.1 N.Y.C.C
No items to report
186.2 Hambleton District Council
The Meeting was advised of the new leader of HDC, Cllr N. Huxtable and of the Thirsk TIC move being put on hold until September.
Cllr Marshall questioned whether the policy on discretionary grants had changed and Cllr Adamson advised that he was not aware of any alteration.

187. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 19 April 2010
187.1 Members (Minute 177.1)
Cllr Morton advised that the signs at St James Green could have been cleaned but were in such a condition that they were still difficult for motorists to read.
Resolved: that NYCC be requested to examine replacement road signs at ST James Green.
187.2 Representatives (Minute no.177.2)
Cllr Roberts noted that Cllr Marshall had raised an issue from the Civic Society regarding the meetings of the Conservation Area Advisory Group.
Cllr Roberts advised that there had been a substantial reduction in the number of planning applications received and as a result some months there were no CAAG applications for consideration. When meetings were held the Civic Society representative was normally present.

188. Finance
188.1 Accounts for Payment
The Clerk advised that the accounts included a cheque for Thirsk in Bloom in the sum of Ł2500 being the budget allocation for the year.
A letter had been recieved from Thirsk in Bloom expressing concern at the reduction of Ł500 in the grant which followed previous reductions.
The letter advised of the work carried out and the costs involved and requested that the grant be reconsidered.
Resolved:
a) that the accounts for payment as at 17 May 2010 be approved and cheques signed.
b) that the grant allocation of Ł2500 for Thirsk in Bloom be adhered to subject to the matter being reveiwed on receipt of details regarding any shortage in funding.
188.2 Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report April 2010
Resolved: that the balance sheet and budget report for April 2010 be received and approved

189. TIC/49 Market Place
The meeting discussed progressing the issues in respect of the TIC and 49 Market Place.
It was agreed that a meeting should be organised with all relevant bodies and organisations invited to send a representative.
Resolved:
a) that the Town Council consider the issues raised in respect of the TIC and 49 Market Place in private session.
b) that the Town Council organise a meeting ,with TIC/volunteers, TRI, Sowerby PC, Chamber of Trade, Moors and Coast being invited to attend to discuss the Thirsk TIC.

190. Correspondence/Items Raised
190.1 North Yorkshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework
The Meeting received a letter dated 16 April 2010 from NYCC providing an update of the position in relation to the Councils Minerals and Waste Development Framework and enclosing the first consultation document.
Resolved:
a) that the letter be noted
b) that the Consultation Document be made available in the office.
190.2 Proposal to develop a Parish Charter between NYCC, parish councils and district councils.
A letter dated 20 April 2010 from NYCC was received regarding the proposed development of a parish charter.
Resolved: that members advise the Clerk of any comments they wish to be submitted to NYCC.
190.3 Local Transport Plan 3 Consultation
A letter and questionnaire dated 5 May 2010 from NYCC was received.
Resolved: that members advise the Clerk of any issues they wish to raise.
190.4 Withdrawal of Rural Arts Funding by HDC
The Meeting received an Email dated 26 April from Rural Arts advising of the withdrawal of funding by HDC and requesting support and contact with HDC in this respect.
Cllr Marshall noted the services provided by Rural Arts and its value to the community. Following further discussion it was
Resolved: that a letter be sent to HDC Overview and Scrutiny Committee advising of the work carried out in Thirsk by Rural Arts, its value to the community and the necessity to retain the core funding in place.

190.5 Motorbike Parking in the Market Place
Email dated 7 May was received from T.Ghouri regarding motorbike parking on the paved area in the Market Place particularly on a weekend.
Members noted that the Market prevented proper use of the motorbike parking area on Market days and it was also suggested that a larger motorbike parking area would assist.
Resolved:
a) that the issue of motorbike parking in the Market Place be referred to HDC
b) that HDC be requested to examine the effect of the market on the motorbike parking area and the provision of a larger area.

191. Burial Board Report/Applications for Memorials
Resolved: that the application for an additional inscription for Valerie Lily Hall be approved.

192. Reports 192.1 Members
Cllr Roberts noted that a bicycle attached to the parking rack had an advertisement on it and the issue had been reported to HDC.
Cllr Watson advised of problems with displacement parking at the top car park at the railway station including complaints from taxi drivers. Part of the land was owned by NYCC and part by Network Rail. It was proposed that time restrictions or a sign indicating drop-off and pick-up point should be examined.
Resolved: that a letter be sent to Network Rail and NYCC requesting consideration of time restriction and/or a sign indicating drop-off/pick-up point in respect of the top area at the Railway Station.

Part II
Private Session
The meeting closed at 9.20pm