Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 3rd April 2008 at 7:30pm
in the Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall Annexe
Page P001
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, C. Pack, M. Penson, F.M. Roberts, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllr A, Morton (family commitments); accepted.
Open Forum
No members of the police or public present.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 17th March 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Penson, subject to an amendment on Page P131 and an addition on Page P132; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 6th March 2008
P122 Requests for allotments; nothing further heard from John Bell as yet.
P122 Public conveniences; reply received from Steve Prentice at HDC advising that he is to arrange for the relevant signs to be made and installed - this should take ten days.
P122 Redundant signage on the Mind Shop; nothing further heard. Cllr Watson advised that she understands work on the property is to start in August.
P122 Signboards on the Industrial Estate; chasing ‘E’ mail sent to Geoff Herbert at HDC and reply received from Judith Wox advising that she has recently joined HDC’s Economic Development Team and will be dealing with industrial estate signage. She advises that the contractor has been spoken to about trimming the tree and cleaning the sign and she will be in contact with us when the work has been done.
P122 Sign at The Workhouse – nothing further heard on this.
P122 “Welcome to Thirsk” Pack; the PCC has taken no further action on this as yet.
P122 Millennium Green; the footpath resurfacing work has been completed.
P122 Post Office; letter sent to the Post Office regarding the queues and also the fact that the forms are not available for customers to complete before they get to the counter. HDC have been contacted regarding the finger on the finger post which is still pointing towards the old post office; they advise that this is the Town Council’s responsibility. The name of the contractor who deals with this has been obtained and he will be asked to provide an estimate. Cllr Penson suggested that as an interim measure the “Post Office” on the finger be painted over; Malcolm Burnett to be asked to do this. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the finger pointing to the Racecourse has been turned round; the contractor to be asked to deal with this.
P122 Crossing near Bakers Alley; further letter sent to Jayne Charlton at NYCC and acknowledgement received. Cllr Watson advised that she had spoken to Cllr Dadd about this. He has spoken to Nigel Smith at NYCC and Cllr Watson had expressed her willingness to meet them on site. Cllr Marshall pointed out that a belisha crossing has appeared in Easingwold and it was agreed we should ask for one here.
P123 Street cleaning; reply sent to John Proud advising that his proposed scheme for businesses to keep the fronts of their premises clear of litter is thought to be a good one. Cllr Penson expressed the view that the street cleaners could sweep along the
Page P002
edges of the roads with a brush, but Cllr Watson pointed out that it is rather difficult because of parked cars.
P123 Traffic calming proposals for Norby Front Street; a request was sent asking that this subject be included in the County Area Committee for Hambleton meeting. Agreement to this was received and Cllr Roberts attended the meeting. A copy of a letter to Cllr Dadd has since been received confirming that a Safety Audit will be carried out three months after the construction of the last property on the Norby site and should the Audit recommend that the build-out be removed then this will be done.
P123 Winter Maintenance Service leaflets; reply received from Gordon Gresty at NYCC explaining that they have been involved in a review and they held off printing the leaflet in case any operational changes were introduced. They will ensure that the leaflets are distributed before the onset of next winter.
P123 Carrs Field; the amount of insurance premium required has now been received from Tony Jordan and this has been paid by the Town Council.
P123 Works on Long Street/Stockton Road; letter sent to NYCC asking them to notify us in advance of any works and also advising that we will inform them should any damage have been caused to Town Council property on Long Street.
P123 Plasticrete on the Little Green; Cllr Marshall asked that a chasing ‘E’ mail be sent about this.
P124 Grasscutting; letter sent to NYCC pointing out that we are subsidising the grasscutting.
P124 Proposed amendment to the Finkle Street/Market Place junction; ‘E’ mail sent to NYCC asking that they paint an arrow on the entrance and a triangle on the exit. Reply received advising that they are unable to put an arrow road marking there as it would be in contravention of the traffic regulations.
P124 Vacancy on the Town Council; the notices supplied by HDC have been put on the noticeboards and also a notice advertising the position. A letter has been sent to the person who applied previously asking whether he wishes his name to be put forward again.
P124 Car Parking Charges; letter sent to Cllr Barker at HDC setting out the questions/comments raised at the public meeting; acknowledgement received advising that these will be fed into the consultation process. A letter objecting to the proposed charges was sent to HDC asking that it be circulated to the Citizenship Overview and Scrutiny Committee for discussion at their meeting; it is understood that this was not put before the meeting and a letter of complaint has been sent to HDC. The letter was also sent to the Editor of the “Darlington and Stockton Times” saying that it was not discussed at the Committee meeting. This has not been published and it has therefore been sent again with a request that it be included in the “Letters to the Editor” column this Friday.
P125 Central Areas; the circular seat is now in place around one of the trees outside the White Horse Café. Clive Thornton of HDC suggests that a tree guard be put around the other tree; he has provided some drawings and they have been passed to Central Areas. Weatherspoons have been reminded about our request to put up signs and have informed us that their contractors have been asked to do this. Cllr Watson asked that we chase NYCC for a start date for the work to Millgate Bridge.
P125 Sensory Garden; the quote for work to the harbour wall was dealt with at the last meeting. Notices regarding the memorials have been put up on site, on the
Page P003
noticeboards, in the Library and in the Public Notices section of three consecutive editions of the “Darlington and Stockton Times”.
P125 Ditches; the report on the survey has not yet been received; it has been chased and should arrive within the next few days. Cllr Adamson pointed out that a quantity of soil has been dumped in the ditch.
P126 Amenity Tip; Cllr Adamson advised that new rules have been introduced at the tip and there appears to be some confusion with the operators. Vans which are not trade vans now have to be registered and someone visiting the tip has been told that if people put the back seats down in their cars then they are classed as vans; Cllr Adamson felt there may be some misinterpretation of the rules. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Adamson that a letter be sent to the County Council saying we realise the need to stop tipping of trade waste, but are not happy that this appears to be affecting the disposal of domestic waste.
Correspondence
Taylor Wimpey; ‘E’ mail received advising that they will be commencing work on the laying of the drain from the old Norby Depot and the outfall to the beck on 7th April. Cllr Marshall advised that they have not spoken to the Town Council and said she is totally against them starting work without our permission. It was also queried whether they have contacted John Bell; an ‘E’ mail to be sent to Taylor Wimpey. Cllr Jackson queried whether they have a right to run drainage into the river.
Colin Musgrave re music event in Thirsk Market Place on 10th August; Cllr Adamson expressed concern that this could cause breaches to the on-street drinking ban. Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Penson that we ask for further details, but object to any large rides on the Market Place; agreed. Also agreed that we point out to them about the on-street drinking ban and also ask them whether they have consulted the Thirsk Business Association.
Jonathan Roberts re lecture on Climate Change to be held on Friday 2nd May at 7.00 p.m. in the Town Hall; noted.
Taylor Wimpey re development at Norby Depot; enquiring whether the Town Council will adopt a length of footway and associated street lighting. Also advising that they are proposing to install the LAP themselves but to a specification and standard to be agreed with the Town Council. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Adamson that we do not adopt the footpath and street lighting; agreed. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Jackson that we take over the LAP, but advise that we must have discussion with them about this and the LAP must be to a specification and standard agreed with the Town Council; agreed.
Mr Hindmarsh re grassed area on corner of Long Street/Rymer Way; Mr Hindmarsh advises that this area is included in his deeds, but is of no use to him. He is concerned that people park on it. It was suggested he contact the County Council.
Mrs L Craggs; E mail received advising that she has damaged her car by hitting a post on St. James’ Green. It was pointed out the post which we assume was hit is part of a fence and is situated in the grass. Proposed Cllr Pack, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that a reply be sent advising that we refute her claim for compensation.
Request re extension of yellow lines on Picks Lane; part of the yellow lines on Picks Lane have now been removed to ensure they comply with the Order. The yellow lines now stop just before the Chapel of Rest and a complaint has been received from the undertaker that cars are now parking opposite the Chapel of Rest and he is having
Page P004
difficulty manoeuvering the hearse because of the parked vehicles. Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Jackson that we request the yellow lines be extended the full length of Picks Lane; agreed.
BTCV re their Autumn/Winter programme of works; no interest at this stage.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
The schedule had been circulated to Councillors and the following points were made:
York Road Roundabout; the Clerk advised that a Licence between NYCC and the Town Council had been received. She has drawn up a Licence between the Town Council and Severfield-Reeve which broadly mirrors the Licence from NYCC, but with some additional provisions. The Clerk then attended a meeting with Michael Coates of Severfield Reeve who raised two points regarding the ability to terminate the Licence; to be amended. Mr Coates will discuss the draft Licence with his colleagues and come back to us.
Buildings on the corner of Newsham Road; Cllr Watson pointed out that these are in a very poor state and part of the fencing is now broken down; a further letter to be sent to John Bell.
Ponding in East Thirsk; Cllr Marshall advised that there had recently been very large pools of water across the road because the traffic calming humps are not draining properly. This was reported to Joe Gallagher of NYCC who arranged for it to be cleared away and he is looking at the humps. Cllr Adamson pointed out that Highways were drawing up a scheme to solve it.
Cllr Roberts advised that water is collecting on both sides of Stockton Road; to be reported.
Reports
Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts advised that when she visited Carrs Field recently the entry gate from the footpath by the bridge was open and the kissing gate between the two fields is not working properly. The trees are looking good and there was no glass on the tarmac. There was a large amount of horse manure in one of the fields. It was pointed out that the fields are meant to be for public enjoyment; a letter to be sent to the Trustees about the horse manure, the kissing gate and the keeping of animals in there.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson is to arrange a meeting. She has also asked to meet with Diane Miller who has done such a lot of good work in the Picnic Area.
Christmas Festivities - Nothing to report
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack advised that it is necessary to have a meeting.
Millennium Green - Cllr Adamson advised that a clean-up is to be held on Saturday 6th April.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall advised that the TRI have been consulted by HDC about Section 106 monies and one of the suggestions for this is Carrs Field improvements. The TRI has been asked to vote on the various schemes and on whether priority rating has been given appropriately. Cllr Marshall reported that no reply has yet been received regarding the Big Lottery; expected in April. Lisa Wilson has taken over from Kath
Page P005
Staines dealing with this. Cllr Marshall advised that the BBC are proposing to do a project on clear-up areas. Mark Haynes had suggested the Centenary Field as being a suitable area, but Cllr Marshall did not feel we were at an appropriate stage with this. Cllr Marshall referred to The Holmes saying she has spoken to John Bell about the footpath proposal and Peter Penny of NYCC was to get some County Council Officers to speak to Cllr Marshall, but they have not done so. She will now go direct to Wimpey. Cllr Marshall advised that an Open Areas walk round will be organised.
Cllr Marshall referred to Castle Garth advising that following on from the problem solving group for Picks Lane we agreed to replace the fencing from the end of the fencing put in by Tescos to the corner. To do this it is necessary to get the consent of English Heritage. We also wish to move the Interpretation Board at the Market Place end of Castle Garth away from under the tree and this is to be included in the application for consent. Cllr Marshall read out the conditions laid down by English Heritage. One of these is that an archaeologist must be on site when any digging takes place Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that we agree to the conditions as set out; agreed. Cllr Marshall advised that MAP can provide an archaeologist at a cost of £175 per day and the fencing will take a maximum of two days. The price for the fencing has increased by 5% to £729.75 plus £450 to clear the site plus the cost of moving the Interpretation Board. Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that we appoint MAP; agreed.
Sensory Garden - Cllr Marshall advised that the site survey work regarding the memorials has been done and is in the Town Council Office. The survey of the harbour wall has been completed and the quote from Bikers has been accepted. They need to put in an application to English Heritage with a plan of the scaffolding. Regarding the Section 106 monies, Cllr Marshall advised that a meeting had been held and advice had been taken from HDC’s new solicitor; he is to have another look at the Section 106 Agreement and is to talk to the developer again. We will not be asked to take over the land until that has been done and this will condition what can be done on the site. The Town Council will then need to sort out maintenance costs. Cllr Marshall advised that Chris Fitzgerald has done the artwork to go in the fencing; there is to be an exhibition of the scheme in the Library and it is hoped to display some of the artwork.
Ditches - Cllr Marshall advised that the last meeting had been cancelled because we had not received the survey report. Steve Quartermain at HDC to be asked for the name of the person he dealt with at Barretts.
Other Items of Interest and Information
Referring to the item at the last meeting concerning ducks, Cllr Jackson advised that Gordon Buckley deals with birds on the moors.
Cllr Penson expressed concern that the traffic lights are not changing for 50 seconds and people are crossing the road rather than waiting.
Cllr Penson advised that some shops have had to take down the “Do Not Feed the Pigeons” notices in order to put up the notices about car parking charges. She suggested the pigeons notices be fixed to the litter bins; to be discussed at Central Areas meeting.
Page P006
Cllr Penson advised that the occupiers of the shops in the old post office block have each been charged £1K for the netting on the roof. However, one section has been missed and there are pigeon droppings on the pavement.
Cllr Penson advised that she had asked the Environment Agency about the erosion of the beckside and they advised that this is the responsibility of the landowner; to be discussed at Central Areas meeting.
Cllr Penson referred to the stonework which has been built in the corner of Mill Gardens; to be discussed at Central Areas meeting.
Cllr Roberts referred to the fact that some time ago some lead piping was stolen from St. Mary’s Church, but no-one in Kirkgate was asked if they had seen anything. She pointed out that recently there has been vandalism of the floodlights; this was reported to the police whilst it was ongoing and she expressed concern at the length of time which elapsed before the police attended. She also expressed concern at the fact that the police office in the Market Place is hardly ever open. Agreed that a letter be sent to the Chief Constable expressing dissatisfaction at the level of service, at the level of response and at the time it takes to answer calls.
Cllr Roberts advised that some work is taking place to a house on St. James’ Green and there is rubble from this in the beck; the Environment Agency to be informed.
Cllr Roberts advised that, as the YLCA’s representative, she attended the North Yorkshire Public Rights of Way Liaison Group Meeting. She was most impressed by some of the County Council’s Officers.
Cllr Roberts pointed out that 25th Squadron at RAF Leeming is being disbanded; a letter to be sent wishing them well.
Cllr Marshall advised that she deposited 15 loose leaf folders of Town Council minutes and one bound minute book at the Archives Office in Northallerton. She advised that an Open Day is to be held there on 5th April.
Cllr Watson advised that she and Cllr Roberts changed the Town Clock on Sunday. She also cleaned some graffiti off the Interpretation Boards on Castle Garth.
Cllr Watson advised that she had attended a Public Relations meeting at Thirsk Station. At that meeting she had raised concerns regarding the parking on the piece of land at the western approach to the Station and the state of the banking. She asked that the yellow lines be re-painted on the steps, that they put on a later train on a Saturday night and that there be more carriages on the students’ trains; they are to get back to her on these. Cllr Adamson advised that the Manager of Transpennine has requested another 42 carriages.
Cllr Penson advised that there is some discrepancy between John Smiths’ timetable and the sign on the bus stop; to be taken up with NYCC.
Cllr Roberts expressed concern at some of the signs on shops in the Market Place. Sue Dodson, the Enforcement Officer at HDC, has been consulted, but advises that there is very little which can be done if the signs are not illuminated. HDC were asked to provide a copy of their latest planning guidance on shop fronts and advertisements and they have said they no longer have this; a letter to be sent to HDC.
Cllr Roberts referred to the church floodlights which have been vandalised and asked that we get a quote for putting floodlights below ground; Cllr Marshall pointed out that it is a burial ground. Agreed that a letter be sent to English Heritage asking for their advice on more secure ways of floodlighting.
The meeting closed at 9.35 p.m.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 21st April 2008 at 7:15pm
in the Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall Annexe
Page P007
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson,
J. Marshall, A. Morton, C. Pack, M. Penson, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), PC Sarah Jobe (North Yorkshire Police), 1 member of the public and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllr F. Roberts (away); Cllr G. Dadd (away). Cllrs Adamson and Morton – late arrival due to another meeting; accepted.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 3rd April 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pack, subject to an addition to Page P003 and a minor amendment to each of Pages P004 and P005.
Police Report
PC Jobe referred to press coverage a few weeks ago regarding offences by youths; she reported that one of the offenders has been sentenced to four months in a detention centre and the others are still going through the courts. PC Jobe referred to the meeting with the Chief Constable to be held on 23rd April in the Town Hall and asked that any issues be raised with him. Cllr Hesmondhalgh enquired when the on street drinking ban is to be implemented and PC Jobe advised that they are waiting for the signs. Cllr Marshall expressed concern that the Town Council was not informed that Ian McNeil, the PCSO, had left Thirsk and that another PCSO has been appointed; PC Jobe advised that Ian has transferred to Northallerton and, Nigel, the new PCSO is currently receiving training. Cllr Jackson referred to the recent damage to the floodlights at St. Mary’s Church and suggested this would be a good place for the PCSO to watch. Cllr Penson mentioned that the window of the Salvation Army shop was broken early on Saturday morning. Cllr Marshall advised that she had been to the site of the Children’s Centre and some of the Hansard fencing around the school and the site has been flattened so badly that it is necessary for new fencing to be obtained. She felt that to do the amount of damage that has been done the perpetrators would have had to be there for a considerable time. Cllr Watson advised that she has reported graffiti on the town clock and on the seats in the bus shelter. She asked that police keep an eye on the alleyway which runs alongside Fourways. Cllr Watson enquired at what age young offenders can be named and PC Jobe said that currently this is 18.
Cllrs Adamson and Morton joined the meeting.
Agreed that Item 5 – Open Forum be dealt with before Item 4 – County and District Council Reports
Open Forum
Mr Colin Musgrave referred to the Thirsk Festival which has normally been put on by Rotary, but which last year had to be cancelled because of severe weather warnings. He advised that he is organising a Music Event in the town centre on Sunday 10th August from 12.00 noon to 10.00 p.m. He had also hoped to have a Yorkshire Market,
Page P008
but this is fully booked and he is therefore looking at having a Continental Market. He will apply for a road closure, there will be no alcohol on the site and the police will monitor the Market Place, with four bar staff monitoring the corral. Mr Musgrave advised that he has received no complaints from the public or the police. The Town Council had advised him that they would not be happy having large rides in the Market Place; however Mr Musgrave explained that, to cater for all ages, it was vital that they also have the larger rides. He felt it is necessary to have 3 large rides and 3 small ones and Mr Crow is to meet him on site and will advise him how many rides and what type of rides will be suitable for the amount of land available in the Market Place. He assured the meeting that it will not impact on the Saturday or Monday market as the equipment will not be put in place until Sunday morning and will be removed on Sunday night. Cllr Marshall said the Town Council support activities for young people and for the Festival and Cllr Watson wished him every success.
Reports
County Council
Cllr Dadd had submitted a written report regarding car displacement, the setting up of a problem solving group following vandalism to property in St. Mary’s and Dowber Way and a reminder regarding the Chief Constable’s visit on 23rd April.
District Council
Cllr Adamson advised that the first meeting of the Thirsk Area Forum was held on 4th April – this was a set-up meeting and the next meeting is to be held on 22nd July. It has not been decided whether this will replace the District/Parish Liaison meetings. At the last Scrutiny Committee meeting which Cllr Adamson attended car parking charges were discussed and he asked that all of Thirsk Market Place be free parking for one hour which would make Thirsk more equal with Northallerton where there will be 200 free places. The report on car parking is due in June for consideration by Cabinet and recommendation to the main Council in July. Cllr Jackson asked what effect all the petitions opposing parking charges have had on the deliberations and Cllr Adamson said they will be considered when the final report comes in.
Cllr Adamson referred to Cllr Dadd’s report in which he advised that he is meeting with Highways Officers to form a strategy to mitigate the effects of car displacement should parking charges be introduced. Cllr Dadd is meeting the Area Manager of NYCC on 28th April and he suggested that Cllr Penson would be a suitable person to assist him regarding where the likely displacement will be and it effects; Cllr Penson agreed to do this – proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that she should do so; agreed. Councillors were asked to let Cllr Penson have their concerns before next Monday.
Cllr Adamson also referred to the fact that in his report Cllr Dadd had also asked for a Town Council representative on the problem solving group he is setting up following damage to properties in St. Mary’s and Dowber Way; it was agreed that Cllr Hesmondhalgh should be the Town Council’s representative on this. Cllr Marshall referred to Cllr Adamson’s request to Clive Thornton at HDC about the trees in the ditch and said this had been referred back to the Town Council; Cllr Adamson will go back to Steve Quartermain at HDC.
Cllr Penson expressed disappointment that, although she had given a notice about the Chief Constable’s visit to the shops, very few of them had put them up.
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Cllr Jackson referred to the fact that Cllr Dadd was to question about the extra staff appointed at HDC. Cllr Adamson advised that he has asked about this and some have
had to be engaged to comply with the Government’s requirements for recycling. He pointed out that due to reorganisation one Chief Officer post has been abolished. Cllr Dadd to be asked about the extra staff at the next Town Council meeting.
Cllr Marshall expressed her concern at the County Council’s delay in starting the works to Millgate Bridge. Cllr Watson advised that this was discussed at Central Areas meeting and an enquiry about this was sent to the County Council. They have replied advising that they will be starting work on 13th May. Cllr Watson advised that further enquiries have been made concerning the length of time the works will take, the siting of the equipment etc.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 17th March 2008
P127 Traffic calming on Norby Front Street; we have a copy of the letter from the County Council to Cllr Dadd confirming that should the Safety Audit reveal that the build-out is not working or is a danger then it will be removed.
P127 Yellow lines on Picks Lane; the yellow lines which were not part of the Order have been removed. A request has been sent from the Town Council that yellow lines be put in along the whole of Picks Lane; acknowledgement received.
P128 Community Emergency Scheme; reply sent to Wendy Muldoon of NYCC with various dates; reply awaited.
P128 Old Minute Books; as reported at the last meeting, the old Minute Books have been deposited at the County Records Office.
P128 CCTV statistics; new statistics received, but these have not been shown in market town order as requested; an ‘E’ mail about this has been sent.
P129 Market stalls spreading goods over the cobbles; Alan Maudsley of HDC came today to look into this.
P129 Accounts for Payment; Chris Amy has been asked to provide details of where he is with the Holmes Management Plan.
P130 HDC Area Forums; letter sent to HDC and reply awaited.
P130 Samaritans; a cheque for the donation of £100 is to be signed tonight.
P130 Car Parking Charges; ‘E’ mail sent to Dave McGloin of HDC asking for clarification of the percentages he supplied. Letter sent to Cllr Arthur Barker questioning the veracity of the survey. Letter sent to Cllr Arthur Barker expressing concern that the letter which the Town Council requested be put before the Citizenship and Corporate Resources and Scrutiny Committee was not put before them; reply received advising that it was sent to all the members of that committee. The Clerk had also sent a copy of the letter to the Editor of the “Darlington and Stockton Times” and an edited version of this was published in the “Letters to the Editor” column. Following the last meeting the Clerk had spoken to Cllr John Coulson who had assured her that the letter would be put before the Safety and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The Clerk advised that in her letters to HDC to date she has not put forward the suggestion about paying for parking discs as she did not wish to dilute the argument about parking charges; agreed that paying for parking discs should not be suggested. Cllr Jackson pointed out that the question of the cost of implementing the scheme had been asked; HDC to be chased re this. Cllr Marshall felt we should ask HDC for the figures for running and staffing such a scheme; proposed Cllr Jackson, seconded Cllr Pack that a letter be sent about this; agreed.
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P132 Road sign outside the “Red House”; ‘E’ mail sent to the County Council and reply received advising that a new sign is on order.
P132 Natural England; application for Licence received – to be completed.
Finance
Accounts for Payment
Referring to items on the accounts for payment list, Cllr Marshall felt that if payments were part of a scheme for which grant monies are being received then it would be helpful if in future they are identified as such on the list. She pointed out that cost of the repairs carried out to the sluice gate by Chris Fitzgerald is to be reimbursed by the County Council. Cllr Hesmondhalgh mentioned that 50% of the cost of the resurfacing the Millennium Green footpaths is to be paid for by the Millennium Green Trustees; the Clerk confirmed that an invoice has been sent to them. Cllr Marshall also referred to the insurance premium and pointed out that it is the Town Council’s duty to review the insurance. She suggested that Cllrs Adamson, Morton, Watson and herself should do this; agreed; a meeting to be arranged.
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Jackson that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed:
Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall Room Hire, January to March 08 £157.50
Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall – 50% of Valuation Fee £88.12
John Howse – replacing damaged floodlights £626.13
Castle Colour Printers Ltd – photocopying etc. £39.55
Allianz Insurance plc – Insurance Premium 2008/09 £3,648.83
Smiths of Derby – servicing of Town Clock £175.08
YLCA Membership 2008/09 £600.00
York and NY Playing Fields Association – subscription £35.00
The Milestone Society – subscription £15.00
Hollin Barn Nurseries – Plants for Picnic Area £22.00
Playdale Playgrounds Ltd – replacement equipment for Shire Park
(balance) £2,931.04
F.D. Todd & Sons Ltd – emptying Cemetery skip £118.59
Aon Ltd – Insurance Premium for Millennium Green £495.26
C.A. Amy: Play Area Inspections (3.3.08-30.3.08) £182.80
Litter Picking (3.3.08.-30.3.08.) £200.00
Repairs to McCleans play area £60.00
Planting/weeding White Mare shrubbery £60.00
Chain harrowing Centenary Field £80.00
Removing blockage from Whitelass beck £75.00
Removing damaged limb from tree on
The Holmes play area £75.00
Removal of trees from harbour wall £350.00
Newsquest – 1 insertion of notice re Salem Chapel Memorials £149.58
Cod Beck Drainage Board – drainage rates £27.50
D.E. Adamson – reimbursement for anti virus £34.94
HDC – Rates, May 2008 £54.00
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk and the Assistant to the Clerk will be paid in accordance with the Town Council’s normal practice.
Page P011
Paid Since Last Meeting
Sal Billany – watering Long Street £48.00
Staples – stationery £48.05
BT – internet line £77.51
S. Ridley – resurfacing path and scraping off a second path on the
Millennium Green £4,846.88
C. Fitzgerald – 25% of cost of artwork for Sensory Garden £1,028.13
Repairs to fencing at Sluice Gate £125.73
Newsquest – 2 insertions of Notice re Salem Chapel Memorials £299.16
Petty Cash £45.09
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, March 2008 £419.03
Income Received
Bank Interest £1,318.24
Burial Board: Rent £485.37
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for March 2008 and the Year-End Balance Sheet for 2007/08
These had been circulated to Councillors. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Adamson that they be approved; agreed.
Correspondence
NYCC - Children and Young People’s Plan 2008-2011 Consultation document; requesting input into what services should be prioritised, how existing services should be improved and whether there are any omissions in the current pattern of service etc. Councillors were asked to give any views on this to the Clerk by the end of April.
HDC – Appointment of Parish Council Representatives to HDC’s Standards Committee. The number of Parish Council representatives is to be increased from 2 to 3 and nominations are invited; noted.
NYCC – 2008 Local Transport Plan Progress Report and questionnaire; to be circulated for completion at the meeting on 1st May.
The Audit Commission – confirmation that Mazars have been appointed external auditors for 2007/08-2011/12; noted.
RAF Leeming advising that they are allocating manpower to ceremonial commitments for this year and requesting details of any events we would like them to attend; agreed that the only such event is Remembrance Day.
Leaflet regarding the “Local Council Review”; proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Jackson that we have one subscription.
HDC re Designated Public Place Signs, enclosing a plan showing the proposed locations of the signs. Two new poles are shown on the plan and Cllr Marshall felt the signs should go on existing poles or on the fence rather than having new poles; agreed that HDC be informed of this.
Co-option to Fill the Vacancy on the Town Council
Four applications had been received and a paper ballot was held. Mrs Amanda Pagram received the majority of five votes. The Chairman confirmed that Mrs Amanda Pagram is therefore co-opted onto the Town Council.
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Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the following applications be approved; agreed:
Grave No. F4 2 Rodney Gary Barnsley Interred 23.11.06.
Grave No. F4 13 Neil Harker Interred 29.6.07.
Grave No. F4 9 Dorothy Cook Interred 16.4.07.
Grave No. F2 9 James Coster Interred 9.10.02.
Grave No. B1 21 George Elwyn Pepper/ Interred 15.12.2000
Edna Pepper Interred 18.1.02.
Applications for Additional Inscriptions
Grave No. A6 8 Eleanor Mary Mackereth Interred 10.4.07.
Grave No. E5 18 Rachel Knowlson Interred 13.9.07.
Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson advised that the oak noticeboard in the Cemetery has been hit by a car and damaged; a claim has been put in to the driver’s insurers. An application has been received for the Cemetery Groundsman’s job and an interview is to be arranged.
Reports
Representatives
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that she had attended a meeting of East Thirsk Community Hall along with representatives of the organisations which use the Hall. She has been elected Chair and a Vice Chair and Secretary have been appointed and possibly a Treasurer. The next meeting is to be held on 30th April and Cllr Hesmondhalgh has asked the Caretaker and Booking Clerk to also attend. A cleaning session which was booked for 26th April has had to be cancelled as there is a function on that date.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that she and Cllr Pack attended the Flood Film at the cinema. The Environment Agency’s aim was to encourage members of the public to register for the flood warning scheme. Cllr Hesmondhalgh felt the Town Council should support this.
Cllr Watson reported that, as Mayor, she had attended the AGM of the Girl Guides which was very enjoyable. She was not able to be at the St. George’s Day Parade yesterday and she thanked Cllr Pack for attending in her place.
Members
Cllr Marshall reported that she had attended a meeting at the Children’s Centre; the builders are due to leave in May and the Centre will open in June/July.
Cllr Marshall advised that the Ritz Cinema AGM is to be held in May; financially 2007/08 was the best year ever.
Cllr Marshall advised that the TRI meeting which was to be held this week had to be cancelled. The AGM is to be held in June. Cllr Marshall advised that Lindsay Ross is standing down and she proposed the Town Council sends its best wishes and thanks to him for all his work, seconded Cllr Watson; agreed.
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Cllr Marshall referred to the race meeting held last Saturday and said that a minibus was parked in Millgate Car Park and this should have been parked on the racecourse; a letter to be sent to HDC.
Cllr Marshall placed a copy of the Tadcaster Town Council newsletter into tabled correspondence.
Cllr Penson referred to the County Council’s newspaper, the “NY Times” pointing out that in the latest issue there are two interesting articles, one on flooding and the other on recycling at waste disposal sites. Cllr Jackson advised he understands that trailers over a certain size cannot now use the amenity tip.
Cllr Penson mentioned that with effect from next month the “Age Concern” shop is giving up using plastic bags.
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Watson that the public and press be excluded for a confidential item; agreed.
Cllr Marshall gave an update on HDC’s application for Big Lottery money. She also advised that the next Play Partnership meeting at HDC is to be held tomorrow; agreed that a letter be sent to HDC expressing concern at the short notice, at the fact that it is in the daytime and asking for the notes of the meeting.
The meeting closed at 9.20 p.m.