Minutes of the Town Council Meeting
held on Thursday 3rd June 2010 at 7:30pm in the Annexe,
Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall
Present:
Cllrs: D. Adamson (Chair), C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C. Pack, M. Penson, F. Roberts, J. Watson.
Apologies:
None received
195. Minutes
Resolved:
a) that the minutes of the meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on 17 May 2010 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.
b) that the minutes of the Planning committee held on 17 May 2010 be received.
196. Matters arising from the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 6 May 2010.
197.1 Minute 179.3 Ditches
The Clerk advised that an email had been received from Barratts advising that they were looking at all pieces of land and would respond further when the examination had been concluded.
HDC Environmental Health had been examining the ditch at the northern side of St Marys Walk and the contact point at Barratts had been passed to them.
197.2 Minute 180.1 Tree Survey
The Clerk advised that no further communication had been received as to the commencement of the survey.
Resolved: that a start date be requested from the contractor.
198. Correspondence/Items Raised
198.1 Seats Castle Garth
The Clerk reported receipt of an email from Cllr G.Dadd forwarding an email from a resident regarding the damage to seats at Castle Garth and suggesting that they be removed and the litter bins relocated.
The Clerk advised that following the removal of the obstructing tree to the CCTV camera the seat on the path adjacent to Calvert’s Carpets had not been damaged.
The other seat had been repaired by M.Burnett using timber and was now considered to be of a stronger construction.
Cllr Marshall noted the number of residents who used the seating and considered that any problems should be dealt with by the police.
Following further discussion it was
Resolved: that the matter be referred to the Open Areas Committee for further consideration.
199. Ongoing Amenity Items
199.1 Signs at the Industrial Estate
Members noted that the issue at the industrial estate now rested with the A Boards being put out.
Resolved: that NYCC be requested to examine the A Board usage at the Industrial Estate.
199.2 Cobbles on Kirkgate
Cllr Watson advised that contractors had turned up to relay the cobbles near to the Herriot Centre but had insufficient cobbles to complete the work. They had been advised of possible supplies.
200. Reports from Committees/Working Parties
200.1 Central Areas
The Meeting received the minutes of the Central Areas Committee held on 18 May.
Cllr Watson advised that in relation to Mill Gardens both contractors who had submitted a quotation had been advised and the contract was to be re-addressed including maintenance and upkeep.
The fence at the Picnic area had been repaired and Cllr Watson noted that the existing fencing did not cover the full length of the area.
Cllr Marshall advised that in the past it had been decided not to fence off land from the river as this could actually cause a hazard as well as being preventative.
The replacement of fencing that had been in place for some time was seen as appropriate.
200.2 Greens and Ingramgate
A meeting was to be arranged.
200.3 Open Areas
Cllr Marshall stated that a walkabout was planned.
200.4 Sensory Garden
Cllr Marshall advised that it was proposed that an obelisk be placed in the memorial garden incorporating plaques with the names of the people buried at the Salem Chapel site.
A plan of the meeting area was circulated and Cllr Marshall advised of the seating and planters to be incorporated.
Cllr Watson questioned the position regarding future maintenance of the site. Cllr Marshall advised that the current ongoing work involved two volunteers and it was envisaged that the sensory planting would be gardened by people with disabilities. There would also be monies placed in the budget for future maintenance.
The Section 106 monies allocated by HDC would finance the meeting area.
Resolved: that the report be received and noted
201. Items of Information
Cllr Watson noted the bad condition of the cobbles in the Market Place.
Cllr Penson advised that it was an offence to park on the paved area in the Market Place.
The Meeting closed at 9.23pm
Minutes of the Town Council Meeting
held on Thursday 21st June 2010 at 7:15pm in the Annexe,
Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall
Present:
Cllrs: D. Adamson (Chair), C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C.Pack, A.Pagram, F.Roberts, A. Robinson, J. Watson.
Apologies: M. Penson (other engagement).
203. Minutes
Resolved: that the minutes of the Meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on 3 June 2010 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair
204. Police Report
Resolved: that standing orders be suspended.
Superintendant Amanda Oliver and Inspector Tim Osborne were in attendance.
Superintendant Oliver advised that following re-structuring in North Yorkshire she was the Safer Neighbourhood Commander for Hambleton and Richmondshire.
A new slimmed down command structure had been set up which had commenced in April which included four Inspectors covering Hambleton and Richmondshire.
In North Yorkshire as a whole crime was down by 1.5% and in Hambleton it was down by 10%.
Crime figures for Thirsk since April showed a drop of 27%.
Superintendant Oliver advised on the steps being taken in Thirsk such as the implementation of the dispersal order and of the staffing levels which now was a full compliment of staff.
The Meeting was advised of crime in rural areas, the initiatives being taken and neighbourhood watch involvement and feedback.
Superintendant Oliver advised that public confidence in the Police was a priority and working with Local Councils and telling people what was being achieved was vital in this respect.
Inspector Osborne advised of the positive effect of the dispersal order, the citizenship day at the secondary school and community initiatives with young people.
Cllr G.Dadd was thanked for his invovment in seeking volunteers for neighbourhood watch.
Inspector Osborne reported on the youth club set up in east Thirsk and mentioned the youth activities week in August noting that any donation or offers of help would be gratefully received.
Discussion took place with regard to parking on Chapel Street, the effect of cutbacks on the police, the beneficial e effects of CCTV and the positive effects of neighbourhood watch and ringmaster
Cllr D.Adamson thanked Superintendant Oliver and Inspector Osborne for their attendance and input.
Resolved:
a) that an item relating to contributing to the Youth Activities Week in August be placed on the
Town Council Agenda
b) that standing orders be reinstated.
205. Reports on Matters relating to Thirsk
205.1 N.Y.C.C
Cllr Dadd advised of the reduction in the NYCC budget and the savings required to be made.
With regard to cuts he noted that there was no seen threat to the Lambert Hospital and no suggestion that Cherry Garth would be closed.
205.2 Hambleton District Council
Cllr Adamson advised that the O and S Committeee had discussed grants but no mention had been made as to wether HDC should actually be giving grants. A wage freeze was likely to be effected.
206. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 17 May 2010
206.1 Members (Minute 187.1)
Cllr Morton advised that road signs were being replaced at St. James Green.
206.2 Motorbike Parking in the Market Place (Minute 190.5)
The Clerk read out a reply from the Senior Engineer HDC which advised that HDC was aware of the motorcycle issue and that he needed to ensure that all existing facilities were visible, available and being used.
Resolved: that the information be noted.
207. Finance
207.1 Accounts for Payment
Resolved: that the accounts for payment as at 21 June 2010 be approved and cheques signed.
207.2 Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report May 2010.
Resolved: that the balance sheet and budget report for May 2010 be received and approved.
208. Audit of Accounts – Annual Return.
The Clerk circulated copies of the Accounting Statements for the financial year ended 31 March 2010. The annual internal audit undertaken by W.G.Pearson ACA, FCCA, of The Barker Partnership Chartered Accountants had been completed and all internal control objectives had been agreed.
Members considered and agreed the items on the annual governance statement.
The Meeting discussed the scope and effectiveness of the internal audit and members were happy that the arrangements in place met the expected standards and characteristics of effectiveness.
The Clerk advised that as a result of income and expenditure being in excess of £200,000 Mazars required to undertake an intermediate audit and details of the additional information required was circulated and discussed.
Resolved:
a) that the statement of accounts for the year ended 31 March 2010 be approved and signed by
the Chair.
b) that numbers 1 to 8 inclusive on the annual governance statement be agreed and the statement
be signed by the Chair.
c) that the standards and effectiveness of the internal audit be approved.
209. Correspondence/Items Raised
209.1 Review of Passenger Transport Services and Home to School Transport Services in Hambleton and the Surrounding area.
The Meeting received details of issues concerning local public transport services raised with and through the TIC.
Resolved: that the representations be submitted to NYCC.
209.2 Redevelopment of Norby Depot, Nortallerton Road, Thirsk.
An email dated 13 May from NYCC was received advising that work had been carried out to remove the block paved build out structure as a result of an independent safety audit.
The Highway Authority had commenced a monitoring exercise on traffic speeds on the road.
Resolved: that the letter be noted.
209.3 Speed Monitoring Procedures.
The Meeting received letters from Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Safety Partnerships requesting support in speed monitoring by Parish and Town Councils becoming the central point for the local community.
Resolved: that any speeding concerns raised by the local community be referred to the Safety Partnerships using the standard document.
209.4 Request for Temporary Road Closure
The Meeting received an email dated 2 June advising of a temporary road closure for the Thirsk 10 Road Race Event on 28 November 2010.
Resolved: that the information be noted.
209.5 North Yorkshire Police Student Officer Training.
An email was received from the NY Police Community Engagement Officer regarding student officer training in Thirsk on 12 and 16 July.
Resolved: that the information be noted.
209.6 Application by Tesco Instore Pharmacy for full consent prior to inclusion in the pharmaceutical list at Tesco superstore, Station Road, Thirsk.
The Clerk reported receipt of a letter from NHS advising that the application had been granted.
Resolved: that the letter be noted.
210. Burial Board Report/Applications for Memorials
Cllr Adamson noted that a memorial check was underway.
211. Reports
211.1 Members
Cllr Watson advised that she had waited 20 minutes in a queue at the Post Office and was concerned that more services were going to be passed to Post Offices.
Cllr Jackson advised that funding was being provided by Queen Elizabeth Trust to protect and fence playing fields.
Cllr Morton advised that concern had been expressed regarding the late delivery of post in the afternoon’s in the St.Mary’s area whereas it had previously been morning deliveries.
Cllr Adamson noted that the late postal deliveries were affecting the whole of the residential area and there had been cases of post not being delivered or arriving out of order.
Resolved: that a letter be sent to the Area Manager of Royal Mail expressing the Town Councils concerns in relation to the postal service in Thirsk.
211.2 Representatives
Cllr Roberts advised that Nigel Smith NYCC had attended the YLCA Meeting and had presented details of the work arising from the harsh winter including gritting, manpower and shifts.
Discussion had taken place with regard to employment of Clerks in small parishes and Cllr Roberts had noted that proper terms of employment and appropriate rates of pay were essential.
Cllr Marshall advised that the Infants School Trustees lease with the NYCC in respect of the library, which had been delayed, was now progressing.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh noted that she had attended the CCA meeting.
Cllr Watson advised that the Town Hall had received a grant from NYCC which was to be used for replacement seating and lighting upstairs.
Cllr Adamson reported that he had attended a Church Service at Sowerby for Carer’s week and had attended Stone Cross for the start of Armed Forces week.
The meeting closed at 9.15pm