Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 1st July 2010 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Present:
Cllrs: D. Adamson (Chair), C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, C. Pack, F. Roberts, J. Watson.
Apologies:
Cllrs: J. Marshall (family illness), A. Morton (family commitment), M. Penson (holiday).
212. Minutes
Resolved:
a) that the minutes of the meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on 21 June 2010 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.
b) that the minutes of the Planning committee held on 21 June 2010 be received.
213. Matters arising from the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 3 June 2010.
213.1 Tree Survey
The Clerk advised that the tree survey was to commence in the next week.
213.2 Items of Information
Cllr Watson noted as a connected issue that HDC had been white lining on the Cobbles in the Market Place on Saturday.
214. Correspondence/Items Raised
214.1 HDC Standards Committee
The Meeting received a letter dated 24 June 2010 from HDC advising that the Standards Committee was proposing a number of changes to its operation including sending annual reports to parish councils and non-elected members of the committee attending meetings of the District and Town and Parish Councils.
The Town Council was being asked whether it would be agreeable to non elected members of the Standards Committee attending a meeting to enable them to become more aware of the work undertaken by Town Councils and for the Town Council to receive further information on the work of the committee.
Cllr Roberts questioned who the non-elected members were, whether such attendance was actually necessary and cost implications in a time of recession.
Members felt that further information from the Standards Committee would not be of benefit to the Town Council and following further discussion it was
Resolved: that HDC be advised that Town Council Meetings are open to members of the public but that the Standards Committee would not be an agenda item for discussion.
214.2 Sowerby Gateway – Pre planning application – Consultation Events
The Clerk reported receipt of an email from HDC advising that Castlevale and Broadacres Housing Association had arranged for public consultation to be held at the Old Court House on M12 and 13 July. They were also presenting a run through of the exhibition at Broadacres offices on 6 July for Council members.
Resolved: that the information be noted
215 Ongoing Amenity Items
Cllr Watson proposed that yellow lining on the cobbles could be removed from the schedule.
Resolved that (5) Yellow Lining on the Cobbles be removed from the schedule of on-going amenity items.
216. Reports from Committees/Working Parties
216.1 Central Areas
Cllr Watson advised that a planned meeting had been cancelled and was to be re-arranged.
216.2 Greens and Ingramgate
A meeting and walkabout was to be arranged.
Cllr Roberts noted that Whitemare roundabout did not stay colourful all summer and suggested that consideration should be given to the planting in this respect. Cllr Pack noted that the planting took into account the watering requirement.
216.3 Open Areas
Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that a walkabout had been started and was to be concluded in the near future.
216.4 Sensory Garden
The Clerk advised that work to install the railings had commenced.
A meeting of the Working Party was to take place on 5 July.
217. Items of Information
Cllr Watson noted the condition of the garage on Long Street.
Cllr Adamson advised that it had been reported at TRI that the weeds and nettles were being left on purpose to help prevent anti social behaviour taking place on the premises. The Planning Enforcement Officer had previously examined the actual building and could take no action.
Cllr Watson advised that she had an item for consideration in private session.
Cllr Adamson noted the new signs in Northallerton which were rich blue in colour.
Mention was made of the sign and planter on Northallerton Road which was in the wrong place and was obscured by the hedge.
Cllr Roberts advised that the Thirsk and Carlton Miniott sign had now been planted-up by Elaine Coulson and she proposed that a letter of thanks be sent and the cost of the plants and compost be reimbursed.
Cllr Watson advised that the drains in Finkle Street were causing a bad odour and that the grate in the Marage coach and car park was blocked.
Cllr Jackson advised that the Museum had received notice of de-registration.
Resolved:
a) that the sign and planter on Northallerton Road be examined
b) that a letter of thanks be sent to Elaine Coulson for the planting –up of the Thirsk/Carlton Miniott sign and the cost of plants and compost be re-imbursed.
c) that NYCC be advised of the problems with drains in Finkle Street.
d) that HDC be advised of the blocked grate in the Marage coach and car park.
The Meeting closed at 8.33pm
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 19th July 2010 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Apologies:
Cllrs: C.Pack (unwell), A.Pagram (unwell), M.Penson (holiday).
220. Minutes
The Clerk advised that the minutes of the extraordinary meeting held on 5 July 2010 were not available and he would submit them to the next appropriate Meeting.
Resolved:
a) that the minutes of the Meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on 1 July 2010 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair
b) that the minutes of the Planning Committee held on 1 July 2010 be received
221. Police Report
Resolved: that standing orders be suspended.
Inspector T. Osborne was in attendance.
Inspector Osborne advised that crime in the areas significantly down and gave the various figures.
A youth action week was to be held between the 10 and 14 August which had a series of events for young people. Mention was made of the silting up under the Millgate Bridge which the police considered should be cleared. Members noted the history of the bridge and the involvement of the environment agency and the NYCC.
Inspector Osborne advised of the success of the youth club in East Thirsk, the issue of tickets in Chapel Street and the involvment with the high school.
Cllr Adamson noted that the dispersal order finished in November and the meeting was advised that as an extention was not possible thought needed to be given to what needed to be put in place.
Cllr Jackson questioned the position regarding legal drugs and the meeting was advised that Kevin Brooks was undertaking presentations to schools.
Cllr Adamson thanked the Inspector for the update.
Resolved:
a) that standing orders be re-instated
b) that the environment agency be contacted again with regard to the silting under Millgate Bridge.
222. Reports on Matters relating to Thirsk
222.1 N.Y.C.C
Cllr Dadd noted the NHS white paper and referred to the public consultation on the proposals to change the provision of minor injury services at the three community hospitals in Hambleton and Richmondshire. He advised that he awaited hearing all the evidence in relation to the proposals.
Cllr Dadd referred to the cuts required in the NYCC budget noting that certain schemes were being deferred in order to maintain what was already in place. A comprehensive review of gritting and winter maintenance was to take place.
The Meeting was advised of the work carried out to the footpath on the Holmes including cutting back the grass, tarmacadaming and strengthening the river bank.
222.2 Hambleton District Council
Cllr Dadd noted that he had emailed the Clerk regarding a representation in respect of litter in the planters on Long Street. Cllr Marshall questioned why HDC Street Scene could not remove litter from the planter as part of their process.
223. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 21 June 2010
Minute 211.1
Cllr Jackson advised that the Queen Elizabeth II fields challenge was part of the 2012 Queens Diamond Jubilee celebration and was a campaign to protect playing fields across the country.
The fields challenge would give communities the opportunity to vote for a playing field in their area to become part of the scheme and be permanently protected. The website provided links including local authority guidelines.
Resolved: that the Town Council register its interest to receive updates in respect of the scheme
224. Finance
224.1 Accounts for Payment
The Clerk advised that the first instalment of the office business rate had been paid in the previous financial year and no further payments had been made. He noted that no reminders had been received. It was agreed that the outstanding business rate for the year be paid.
The Meeting discussed the Youth Activity week being organised by the Police and agreed to utilise the Youth Activities Budget to make a donation.
Resolved: that the accounts for payment as at 21 June 2010 be approved and cheques signed subject to the business rates of £480 being paid to HDC and a donation of £200 being paid to the Police to be applied to Youth Activities in Thirsk.
224.2 Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report June 2010
Resolved: that the balance sheet and budget report for June 2010 be received and approved
225. Correspondence/Items Raised
225.1 Revocation of Regional Strategies
Cllr Roberts advised that a letter had been referred to the Planning Committee by Cllr Adamson from the Chief Planner of Communities and Local Government advising of the revocation of regional strategies with immediate effect. The removal of this level of planning meant that Local Planning Authorities would be back to having complete autonomy. She also noted that the Chief Planner was Steve Quartermain who had worked at HDC.
225.2 NYCC Waste Management Strategy
A letter dated 9 July 2010 was received from Marton cum Grafton Parish Council regarding the NYCC waste management strategy and in particular the proposal to build a waste facility near Boroughbridge. Cllr Marshall considered that the matter should be an agenda item with appropriate briefing papers available.
Resolved: that NYCC Waste Management Strategy be an agenda item with appropriate briefing papers.
225.3 Minor Injury Services
A letter dated 15 July 2010 was received from the North Yorkshire and York PCT advising that the PCT had commenced a period of public engagement about proposals to change the provision of minor injury services at three community hospitals including The Lambert Hospital at Thirsk.
It was proposed to close the minor injury services and transfer the activity to GP practises and to local Accident and Emergency services.
Cllr Marshall considered that the proposals would be put into operation and noted that these issues would happen everywhere.
Resolved: that the PCT be advised that the Town Council recognises the importance of the Lambert Hospital in the local community and is concerned about reduction in services and the effects this will have immediately and in the long term.
226. Office – 49a Market Place
Cllr Adamson reminded members of the District Councils intention to sell 49 Market Place and the fact that the Town Councils lease of the office premises expired in May 2012.
Cllr Adamson considered that the Town Council needed to be examining the matter in view of the timescale involved. He considered that the Town Council should write to HDC enquiring as to whether it would consider selling the office with exclusive use of the toilet facilities. He noted that if a valuation was sought the Town Council would have to pay.
Cllr Marshall questioned whether the office was totally suitable for the Town Council’s requirements and noted some problems with the premises.
Following further discussion it was
Resolved: that the Office Committee meet to discuss and evaluate the Town Councils office requirements.
227. Burial Board Report/Applications for Memorials
Resolved: that the application for an additional inscription for John Joseph Guy be approved.
228. Reports
228.1 Representatives
Cllr Roberts advised that she had attended the YLCA Joint Executive Committee.
Sheena Spence was to be the YLCA Chief Officer from 1 September with Ian Strong becoming one of the Local Council Officers. The AGM had not been quorate and had been re-arranged.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that the East Thirsk Community Hall which had previously struggled was now doing well.
228.2 Members
Cllr Watson reported on the Police payback initiative with youths.
Cllr Marshall noted that the highway safety surface on Long Street/Barbeck had not been re-instated by NYCC. She also noted that the A19 leaving Thirsk had deep ruts on both sides which she considered could be dangerous.
Cllr Marshall had talked to Mark Young the new Flood Officer with NYCC whose remit was to monitor and ensure that the appropriate people were dealing with flooding issues.
Unfortunately several parts of the legislation had not been commissioned which was causing various problems in carrying out the necessary work and Cllr Marshall proposed that a letter be sent to the MP requesting that the legislation be commissioned as a matter of urgency.
Cllr Marshall noted the comments made at the Extraordinary Meeting with regard to the condition of the front no 49 Market Place. She considered that HDC should be setting an example to encourage others.
Cllr Adamson advised that there was a discharge into the Cod Beck near to Ingramgate Bridge. The Clerk noted that the EA were examining the matter.
Resolved:
a) that NYCC be advised regarding the safety surfacing on Long Street/Barbeck and the ruts on the A19
b) that a letter be sent to Anne McIntosh requesting that outstanding legislation in respect of flooding be commissioned as a matter of urgency.
c) that HDC be requested to improve the appearance of the front of 49 Market Place
229. On-Going Items
Resolved:
a) that HDC provision of bicycle stand be taken off the list
b) that an agenda item regarding number of meetings be placed on the agenda for 16 August
2010
The meeting closed at 9.12pm