Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 7th August 2008 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
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Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), C. Hesmondhalgh, J.E. Jackson, J. Marshall,A. Morton, C.M. Pack, M. Penson, F.M. Roberts, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), 3 Members of the Public and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllr A.K. Pagram (ill); accepted
Open Forum
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Jackson that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.
Miss Marion Green referred to a planning application for the conversion of 12 Millgate to a restaurant advising that she was speaking on behalf of the residents of Riverside Mews. She pointed out that, although planning consent was granted approximately two years ago, the current application is dramatically different from the previous proposal. It is now to be a restaurant with 68 covers with the kitchens and presumably large extractor fans backing onto Riverside Mews. The residents are very concerned about the potential noise, smells and drainage problems should this go ahead. The proposed opening hours are 4.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m., but staff will presumably be working outside of these times. Miss Green expressed the concern of the residents of Riverside Mews that this will be very intrusive and will affect the amenity and value of their homes.
Cllr Roberts advised that this application had been discussed at the Planning Meeting held earlier this evening. She said that HDC had not informed the neighbours and therefore as the residents were not aware of it they did not see the plans. The application had been discussed by the Planning Committee at a previous meeting, but several members of the Committee were absent from that meeting. It is now intended to write to HDC saying we are very concerned about the application and putting forward the points the residents have raised. Cllr Dadd has been contacted about this and there is to be a site meeting on 18th August; the application will then go to the full HDC Planning Committee.
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Roberts that Standing Orders be reinstated; agreed.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 7th August 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Penson; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 3rd July 2008
P039 On Street Drinking Ban; ‘E’ mail received from HDC advising that it would help the police with their enforcement of the drinking ban on the Picnic Area if there could be a sign on a pole near the entrance from Millgate Car Park. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the CCTV camera looks across to the Picnic Area and any pole should not block this. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Pack that we agree to a pole being put in the Picnic Area against the fence near the dog bin at the Millgate Car Park entrance, but with the comment about the CCTV camera; agreed.
P039 Respect Day; apologies that no Councillors were available to do a radio interview were sent advising that the Town Council thoroughly supports the initiative.
P040 Signboards on the Industrial Estate; HDC asked for a timescale for the work.
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P040 Crossing near Bakers Alley; “Look Left and Look Right” has now been painted on the road.
P040 Plasticrete near Todds Cottages; Letter sent to Eccles Heddon asking them to obtain a copy of the Common Land Registration. Reply received from Clive Thornton giving some dates he is available for a site meeting; agreed that this be held on 11th August at 4.00 p.m.
P040 Car Parking Charges; letter sent to Cllr Arthur Barker at HDC advising that we acknowledge and are grateful for the concessions granted for Thirsk, but expressing the disappointment of the people of Thirsk at the decision to introduce car parking charges.
P040 York Road Roundabout; nothing further heard from Severfield Reeve.
P041 Carrs Field; still waiting for dates from Tony Jordan – another chasing E mail to be sent.
P041 Floodlights; the Clerk brought up this matter at a recent PCC meeting. Should the Town Council decide to go ahead with an alternative form of floodlighting then the PCC would be happy to sort out the Faculty. The Clerk to speak to the Secretary to the York Diocesan Advisory Committee.
P041 Removal of rubbish; acknowledgement received from NYCC. Reply received from HDC advising that bulky waste, ie anything over 25kg or of such a size that it will not fit into the wheeliebin, can be subject to a charge and HDC decided many years ago to charge for this. They note the Town Council’s concerns, but advise that there is currently no intention to provide this service free of charge.
P041 A19 resurfacing and reinstatement scheme; plan supplied.
P041 Request for traffic calming on Chapel Street; reply received from NYCC advising that owing to the geometric layout and the nature of the road, it would not be feasible to install sleeping policemen in Chapel Street. Reply received from Dave Goodwin at HDC advising that both the Thirsk and Sowerby Swimming Baths Charity and HDC would support sleeping policemen. He is not sure whether either organisation would be prepared to fund this – he is to check at the next relevant meetings of both bodies.
P041 Carrs Field; notice advertising the vacancy for a Trustee is still on the noticeboard, but no applications received.
P041 Parking spaces outside the “Three Tuns”; E mail sent to HDC pointing out that the Town Council was not consulted and expressing concerns at the safety aspect for pedestrians.
P041 Taylor Wimpey; reply sent reiterating our previous decision that we do not wish to take responsibility for the footpath and streetlighting and suggesting they contact NYCC.
P041 Taylor Wimpey; no response as yet on the items which require rectification, but a letter has been received advising that as a gesture of goodwill they will replace the damaged seat with a new one.
P042 Taylor Wimpey; reply sent accepting the plan of the LAP, but suggesting that the piece of equipment in the Little Hamlets range be replaced with something more adventurous.
P042 Amenity Tip; letter sent to NYCC supporting the points put forward by Sowerby Parish Council.
P042 Joint Strategic Needs Assessment; E mail sent to NYCC asking why Thirsk Library was not included and reply received advising that they are working to a tight schedule and are simply trialling and sampling some localities. They are attending the major event in Thirsk on hearing the voice of older people and did not want to duplicate effort and distract from that event. They are to distribute questionnaires.
P042 NYCC Thirsk Service Centre Transportation Strategy; reply received advising that all Town and Parish Councils within the boundary of the Thirsk SCTS area were invited to a stakeholder workshop on 10th April at Thirsk Community Primary School. They do not
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intend to carry out any further consultation at this stage with Town/Parish Councils. However, should the proposed schemes receive public support and be taken forward as part of the strategy then a further consultation will be undertaken as part of the specific scheme implementation process.
P042 Environmental Health contacted re the pigeons in the building next to the Blacksmiths Arms.
P042 Proposed Infrastructure Improvements to Northallerton – Thirsk – Ripon bus corridor; NYCC have queried whether the Town Council is happy with the proposed bus stop on Stockton Road; agreed that this is acceptable.
P042 Works to Millgate Bridge; Cllr Jackson referred to the finish of the bridge saying that not only is the stonework lighter it is also not faceted. Agreed that we ask English Heritage if they consented to this and also request a copy of the County Council’s planning decision.
P042 Opening hours of the public toilets; E mail sent to Steve Prentice at HDC asking if the toilets can be kept open until 8.00 p.m. in the summer months; reply received asking that we need to send a formal request to Dave McGloin; to be done.
P044 Steve Quartermain; letter sent wishing him well.
P044 Letter sent to the business which was operating behind the “Three Tuns” and has now moved premises advising that the complaints made about them by a member of the Town Council were made as a member of the public and not as a Councillor, also wishing them well in their new location and pointing out the need to ensure that the correct planning consent is in place for them to operate from the new premises.
P044 Problem solving group on Castle Garth; Cllr Marshall advised that the remaining fencing has now been done. A report was received from MAP, the archaeologists who came to the site whilst the contractors were digging to put the posts in and nothing was found. The interpretation board has also been moved further into Castle Garth away from under the tree.
Natural England; reply received advising that they cannot issue a licence because the reasons we have given are not appropriate. They advise that relocation can take place outside the breeding season, ie between 1st September and 31st January each year.
Correspondence
HDC; enclosing the Order re on street drinking ban which came into effect on 26th July.
Mrs S. Dodds; advising that a large tree on the far side of the Cod Beck has fallen across to the Picnic Area. The Clerk advised that the Environment Agency have today removed the tree.
Hambleton Rural Housing Enabler; details of affordable housing tour to be held during week commencing 8th September 2008; any Councillors wishing to attend were asked to let the Clerk know.
Environment Agency; advising that as part of their exploration of options for a proposed flood alleviation scheme for Thirsk they need to conduct a field survey to determine the presence of crayfish in the Cod Beck which may involve gaining access to the river over parts of land owned by the Town Council; noted.
RoSPA; advising that they will be carrying out the annual inspection of the play areas during September 2008.
Telephone call from Andrew Hall, the Countryside Ranger at NYCC regarding the footpath from Gillings Court to Kirkgate which we reported to him some time ago; a scheme has now been drawn up which involves installing a gulley to stop water standing there and this will be done within a month.
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HDC; copy of letter advising that the two new properties at the rear of 71 Market Place, Thirsk will be named 1 Transport House Yard and 2 Transport House Yard, Gillings Court, Thirsk; noted.
From Tabled Correspondence: Cllr Marshall drew the attention of Councillors to an ‘E’ mail from Peter Coles of HDC regarding a Big Tidy Up event. HDC are asking communities to organise litter picks; equipment will be provided by HDC and waste collected. Agreed that a reply be sent advising that we fully support the idea and would like to take part in it and look forward to receiving further details.
Street Names for the New Housing Development on the Norby Site
Letter received from HDC advising that the developer of the Norby site is proposing the following names (all previously Lords of Thirsk):
Street 1 : De Stutevill Drive
Street 2 : Mowbray Way
Street 3 : Daubeney Close
Street 4 : De Braose Lane
Cllr Roberts advised that she has spoken to John Bell and he is to do some research into other Lords of the Manor. Agreed that HDC be advised that the above names are not acceptable and that we will get back to them with alternatives following the Town Council meeting on 18th August.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
The schedule had been updated and circulated to Councillors. Cllr Roberts asked whether there had been any progress on the area between the footpath and the road on Ingramgate. Cllr Pack advised that at a recent meeting of the Greens Committee they had decided to seek quotes for surfacing this in stone, tarmac and chippings and they are looking at the possibility of getting grant assistance for the work.
Nameplates for the alleyways: Cllr Watson advised that meetings have been held and this is progressing. Grant monies have been allocated for it. She has now spoken to most of the businesses in the alleyways and they are in favour.
Cllr Penson advised that the white lining in Riverside Mews was done today.
Reports
Carrs Field - Nothing to report.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson advised that a meeting had been held on 16th July and she outlined various matters which had been discussed. A letter is being sent to Jacobs and to the County Council confirming that they have agreed to reinstate and make good.
Christmas Festivities - Cllr Watson advised that the Christmas Tree is now on order.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack referred to the damage caused on St. James’ Green when a vehicle went onto the grass causing damage to the fencing, lighting pole, nameplate and interpretation board. The Clerk advised that she has written to the driver advising that we hold him responsible for the cost of the replacement fencing and interpretation board and has now received a letter from his insurers accepting liability. Cllr Pack advised that repairs are required to various parts of the fencing around St. James Green and the Committee would like to have the Little Green
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fenced; quotes are to be obtained. The cherry tree which had to be cut down is to be replaced in the autumn and the Committee is thinking about having more trees on part of the Green; they are taking advice on this. Cllr Pack advised that, although the County Council are claiming for three of the boxes which were damaged by the gas board’s contractors, in fact more than three were damaged. Cllr Marshall said it is clear that all the boxes were damaged at the same time. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Watson that a letter be sent about this. Cllr Pack advised that the White Mare Roundabout and the boxes are being maintained by Hollin Barn Nurseries. Cllr Penson referred to the fact that there is a car being advertised for sale on the Green; HDC to be asked about the position of advertising cars for sale. Cllr Roberts expressed the view that the roundabout looks extremely attractive when it is sunny, but when there is no sun the mesembryanthemums remain closed and she asked whether there could be different bedding plants in future. Cllr Pack advised that they were put there because they do not require a great deal of water.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that it is in very good condition.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall advised that a meeting had been held on 23rd June. She referred to the Johnson Close Play Area saying we would like to go ahead with the scheme submitted by Playdale using the Picks Lane money. Proposed Cllr Marshall that we do this, seconded Cllr Roberts; agreed. Cllr Marshall advised that the residents have been consulted on this. Referring to East Thirsk Play Area, Cllr Marshall advised that it was decided to go with Playdale and they have been asked to come up with a scheme for £55K. She has now received a replacement plan which incorporates a roundabout in the amount of £6,033 (including the sub-base and wetpour). Two quotes have been obtained for the fencing (in the amounts of £3,345 and approx £3,700) and a further quote has been requested. Cllr Marshall advised that they do not yet have sufficient monies, but Lisa at HDC is working hard to try and get some more funding. There is also a legal issue which is being sorted out. Cllr Marshall referred to the Children’s Centre saying we allowed them to use the East Thirsk Play Area and expected that the entrance to this would be reinstated. Cllr Marshall spoke to Melanie Hall, the Children’s Centre Manager, about this earlier this week pointing out that the entrance is now very muddy and the grass has not been reinstated; she has now received notification from Melanie Hall that she will get them back to do this. Cllr Marshall said the contractors put in some fencing to replace that which they had taken down and a new gate, however, the posts have not been cemented in and are not stable. Also the County Council agreed to fence one side of the play area, but they have only fenced part of it which lessens the security of the play area (the East Thirsk Problem Solving Group had proposed that all three sides of the play area should be fenced – Broadacres did one, the Town Council did another and the County Council were to do the third); Melanie Hall advises that she will see what she can do re the additional fencing. However, Cllr Marshall pointed out that this was agreed before the work started. Agreed that a letter be sent to the Chief Executive of NYCC with a copy to Melanie Hall.
Sensory Garden - Cllr Marshall advised that a meeting had been held on Monday which had been attended by Paul Swales of the Environment Agency. In order to carry out the work to the harbour wall it is necessary to obtain the permission of the Environment Agency as it will be necessary to put scaffolding in the beck. Cllr Marshall showed plans of the Sensory Garden which have been drawn up by Mike I’Anson and said they are proposing to go out to consultation this weekend with a display in Thirsk Library. On the plan the fencing and panels are to go in
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front of the planting, although the Committee felt it was necessary to have some form of barrier along the river bank. Some of the headstones and kerbstones are to be positioned around the site. Neil Collinson is looking for a large piece of slate for the memorial garden; Cllr Roberts asked that such slate be sourced in this country. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Watson that we go out to consultation on this scheme; agreed. Cllr Marshall advised that we have to make the harbour wall good and put the coping stones back on top of it. She explained that we accepted Biker’s quote but for reasons outside their control they are unable to come up with scaffolding statements and information and we are therefore proposing to go to the second tenderers who are Wilf Noble who are currently doing the work on Millgate Bridge; their tender was £4K more than Bikers. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Roberts that we go ahead with Wilf Noble; agreed with the proviso that if there are not enough monies to do the scheme then any necessary paring down of the scheme will be done; agreed. Cllr Marshall advised that HDC have served notices on the developers, but the legal transfer of the land has not yet taken place. Cllr Penson asked about the maintenance of the garden and Cllr Marshall said it has been designed in such a way so as not to be high maintenance. Mike I’Anson anticipates a cost of approximately £2,500 per annum if we were to employ someone to do this. Cllr Marshall explained that it is necessary for us to submit an application to the Environment Agency for consent to do the work to the harbour wall. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Watson that we should submit the application; agreed.
Ditches - Cllr Marshall advised that a meeting has not been held. She has spoken to Peter Swales at the Environment Agency and the appropriate applications will be put in once we own the land.
Cllr Roberts referred to the proposals for a Skateboard Park explaining that a piece of land on Gravel Hole Lane, Sowerby has been identified which it is likely they can lease from the County Council. However, prior to this it is necessary to have the land surveyed at a cost of £3K plus VAT. They currently have some monies, but not enough and have asked HDC for some funding but they have said they are not prepared to do this until they know the scheme will go ahead; however the scheme cannot go ahead without the survey. Cllr Roberts has spoken to Mark Haynes and he is to ask for it to be put on the TRI agenda.
Cllr Marshall referred to loose cobbles in the Market Place and Cllr Watson advised that this is on a rolling programme. The matter to be dealt with at Central Areas.
Cllr Watson advised that she and the Clerk had attended the Yorkshire Day Celebrations at Guisborough last Friday.
The meeting closed at 9.12 p.m.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 18th August 2008 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
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Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J.E. Jackson, A.K. Pagram, M. Penson, F.M. Roberts, Mr C. Blyth (Acquisitions Manager, Lidl), Mr D. Murphy (Development Executive, Lidl), Mr P. Humphreys (Humphreys Teal Partnership, acting for Lidl), 1 member of the public and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs Marshall (family commitment), A. Morton (family commitment), C. Pack (family commitment), County and District Cllr G. Dadd (another commitment)
Minutes of the Meeting held on 7th August 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Roberts; agreed.
Reports
County Council
In Cllr Dadd’s absence there was no report.
District Council
Cllr Adamson referred to the Minutes of the Licensing Hearings Panel which were included in Tabled Correspondence. He said the Licences had been granted without the knowledge of either him or the Town Council as neither District Councillors not Town/Parish Councils are consulted. He has taken this up with HDC and they have now agreed that District Councillors will be advised of Licence applications. Also included in Tabled Correspondence are the minutes of the Prosperity and Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee which includes a World of James Herriot Business Plan. Cllr Adamson advised that it is hoped to set it up as a Trust with the backing of HDC; they will then be able to approach other bodies for funding. Cllr Adamson reported that the first of the Thirsk Area Forums was held on 22nd July when the possible application for the Sowerby Gateway was discussed; should this proceed it is proposed that infrastructure costing £17.5m would be put in place before it starts and this would include a revised exit onto the A168. Cllr Adamson referred to the minutes of the Safety and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (also included in Tabled Correspondence), the subject of which is a Policy Review on working with Town and Parish Councils.
Open Forum
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.
Mr Blyth of Lidl referred to the public open day which had been held some time ago and said that comments made at this had been taken on board. He understands the Town Council was not happy with the proposed design of the building and he showed plans of an amended design which has been drawn up which is more sympathetic to Thirsk. The colour of the roofing material is to be darker, more glazing has been introduced and there is a greater proportion of brickwork rather than cladding. There are to be additional bollards to prevent illegal parking, more landscaping at the Newsham Road side and more greenery on the Station Road side. 31 trees are to be planted and a detailed landscaping scheme has been drawn up. Cllr Penson asked whether it would be possible to have some flowering trees.
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Cllr Roberts asked about the footpath which they are proposing on Newsham Road and Mr Blyth confirmed that this will be within their own curtilage. Cllr Roberts queried the number of delivery vehicles and Mr Blyth advised that there will only be one vehicle per day, which will both deliver and take away. A report has been drawn up showing traffic movements within the site. The member of the public present felt the fencing would impede the view and asked whether it would be possible to have an open fence. Cllr Pagram requested that more mother and child parking spaces be provided and Mr Blyth agreed to look at this. Cllr Jackson expressed concern that there were not enough parking spaces, but Mr Blyth said that 75 is the average based on their statistics; however, they will monitor the parking and will manage it. It was agreed that the Town Council’s objection to the plans be withdrawn and Cllr Roberts confirmed that we will advise HDC of this.
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that Standing Orders be reinstated; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 21st July 2008
P045; Centenary Field: police requested to patrol this area.
P046; Second roundabout on Station Road: now completed.
P046; Natural England: Application form for Licence completed and sent in. Response
received advising that they are unable to grant us a Licence as our reasons for wanting to relocate do not comply with their regulations. Relocation can take place between 1st September and 31st January.
P046; Insurance: the seats have now been counted and the current cover is more than the £250 per seat agreed; however, it is felt to be advisable to keep this figure to allow for any additional seats. The waste bins are still to be counted. Cllr Watson advised that in order for Fattorinis to value the Mayor’s chain they would need it to be sent to them and they would charge 5% of its value. Rather than posting this to them, Cllr Watson is to take it to the jewellers in Thirsk to be valued.
P047; Powered gliders: no reply from RAF Linton on Ouse or Allanbrook Barracks as yet.
P047; Cemetery Noticeboard: awaiting Malcolm Blackburn carrying out the repairs.
P047; Dead tree behind the recycling bin; Clive Thornton reminded of this.
P047; Councillors’ photographs: some received and some still awaited.
P048; Town Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations: agenda item for this
meeting.
P013 (from April meeting); Hambleton Play Partnership - reply received advising that, in response to the Town Council’s comments that meetings are held during the day which precludes some people from attending, it has been agreed to hold alternate meetings in the evening. The first meeting is to be held in December – a date, time and venue to be confirmed.
Finance
Accounts for Payment
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Adamson that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed:
Brian Noble – fencing work at Castle Garth and moving
Interpretation Board £1,556.58
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Map Archaeological Consultancy – watching brief and report re
installation of fencing at Castle Garth £411.25
C.E. and C.M. Walker – grasscutting, 2nd/15th/30th July £2,284.20
M. I’Anson – reimbursement for chain and padlock for Millennium Green £10.40
Nigel Burn – weeding Long Street planters and White Mare roundabout £155.00
Hollin Barn Nurseries
Planting at White Mare roundabout/Long Street £710.00
Plants for Picnic Area £10.00
Plants for Thirsk in Bloom £18.70
Mrs S. Billany – watering for Thirsk in Bloom £97.75
C.A. Amy: Weekly inspections (7.7.08.-3.8.08.) £182.80
Litter picking (7.7.08.-3.8.08.) £225.00
Centenary Field management £280.00
Weeding various play areas £60.00
Weeding White Mare shrubbery £30.00
Castle Colour Printers – photocopying etc £4.00
Staples – stationery £70.38
Hambleton District Council – Town Office rates, Sept 08 £54.00
Communicorp – Subscription to “Local Councils Update” £65.00
HM Revenue and Customs – Tax/NI, July 2008 £426.46
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk, the Assistant Clerk and the Cemetery Groundsman will be paid in accordance with the Town Council’s normal practice
Paid since last meeting
Npower – office electricity £90.56
Petty Cash £47.64
Environment Agency – fee for application to do works to the harbour
Wall £50.00
Income Received
NYCC – contribution to Sensory Garden £208.37
Burial Bd: Rent £550.00
Interments £255.00
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for July 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Jackson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh; agreed.
Town Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the following amendments to the Standing Orders and Financial Regulations be made; agreed:
Standing Orders:
Standing Order 13: At the Town Council meetings normally held on the third Monday of the month the order of business, unless the Council decide otherwise on the grounds of urgency, shall be as follows:
(1) To receive apologies for absence
(2) To consider the Minutes; after consideration to approve the signature of the
(3) Minutes by the person presiding as a correct record
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(4) To receive the Police Report and discuss any matters to be brought to the attention of the Police
(5) To receive Reports on matters pertaining to Thirsk from the County and District Councillors
(6) To receive any representations from members of the public present at the meeting
(7) To receive an update on matters arising from the previous meeting
(8) To approve accounts for payment. To approve the monthly balance sheet and budget report
(9) To receive correspondence
(10) To receive Burial Board Report and to receive applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
(11) To receive Reports from Representatives and Members
At the Town Council meetings normally held on the first Thursday of the month the order of business, unless the Council decide otherwise on the grounds of urgency, shall be as follows:
(1) To receive apologies for absence
(2) To receive police report and to receive representations from members of the public present at the meeting
(3) To consider the Minutes and after consideration to approve the signature of the Minutes by the person presiding as a correct record
(4) To receive correspondence
(5) To receive and, where applicable decide upon, the items contained in the Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
(6) To receive reports from Committees
(7) To receive other items of interest and information
Standing Order 28(c): to be amended to “If two or more members indicate, the Chairman shall call upon them to speak in turn”
Standing Order 49: “nay” to be amended to “may”
Standing Order 61: to be deleted
Financial Regulations:
All references to the “Finance and General Purposes Committee” to be changed to “Finance Committee” throughout the document
FR 2.1: to be amended to “Each Committee to submit its revenue and capital proposals to the Finance Committee by the date set each year”
FR 2.3: to be amended to “The Finance Committee should review the estimates and submit them to the Council not later than the December meeting of the Council each year. The Council shall agree or amend the precept calculated from those estimates and the review of balances”
FR 3.4: to be amended to “Unspent budgets at the year-end will be taken into the general funds, hence each Committee needs to be aware when making its budgets for the following year to take account of delayed projects”
FR3.5: the words “that it is contained in the rolling capital programme” to be deleted in order that it reads “No expenditure shall be incurred in relation to any capital project and no contract entered into or tender accepted involving expenditure on
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capital account unless the committee concerned are satisfied that the necessary capital funds are available or the requisite borrowing approval can be obtained”
FR4.1: to be amended to “All accounting procedures and financial records of the Council shall be determined by the RFO as required by the current Accounts and Audit Regulations”
FR4.2: to be amended to “The RFO shall be responsible for completion of the annual accounts of the Council as soon as practicable after the end of the financial year and shall submit them to the Internal Auditor. The Internal Auditor’s written report on the accounts shall be submitted to the Council as soon as completed. The Annual Return of Accounts to the Audit Commission shall be submitted to the Council for approval prior to submission to the Audit Commission as soon as practicable after completion of the accounts”
FR6.1: the following to be added, “Regular payments such as business rates can be made by Direct Debit or Standing Order as directed by the Council”
FR6.5: “petties” to be replaced with “small sundry expenses”
FR 11(B) to be amended to:
(i) “For all expenditure expected to be less than £4,999 the Chairman of the spending committee, with the Clerk, shall invite estimates. In all cases an estimate will be obtained prior to any work being undertaken unless such work/goods are of a minor nature, eg window cleaning.
(ii) For all expenditure expected to be between £5,000 and £24,999 in value the Chairman of the spending committee or his/her appointed Vice Chairman, together with the Clerk, shall invite quotations from at least three firms.
(iii) For all expenditure expected to exceed £25,000 in value for the supply of goods or materials or the execution of works or specialist services other than such goods or materials, works or specialist services as are excepted as set out in Paragraph (A), the Clerk shall invite formal tenders from at least three firms”.
FR11(F): “proscribed” to be amended to “prescribed”
Correspondence
HDC advising that in view of the fact that Area Forums are now held, the District/Parish Liaison Meeting has been cancelled. Dates of the Area Forums supplied, the Thirsk Area Forum to be held on 28th October 2008.
North Yorkshire Police – replies to reports of incidents; noted.
Mencap – request for donation; noted.
D, Burnham – complaint regarding the noise/music in the Market Place on 10th August. An acknowledgement of this to be sent.
Suggestions for street names for the new development at Norby
Agreed that the following names be put forward to HDC:
Sunny Way (there were originally a row of cottages on the land known as Sunny
Terrace)
Gallows Lane (the gallows were situated in the field next to the site)
Shaws Close (before the NYCC depot was on the site it was Shaws Yard
Percy Drive (Lord Percy was hanged on St. James Green)
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Burial Board Report, including the approval of applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
Cllr Adamson had nothing to report.
No applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials received.
Reports
Representatives
Cllr Hesmondhalgh referred to the East Thirsk Community Hall saying that everyone has got their jobs and they are getting on with them.
Cllr Watson reported that she had attended the Changing Rooms meeting. They are wanting to get on with the work and another meeting is to be held before the AGM to set the wheels in motion.
Members
Cllr Jackson referred to Thirsk Museum saying it has registered twice and is compliant with the new registration requirements. It has now been asked to register again and this time the hub is in Sheffield. It is felt that this is rather onerous, the benefits are so small and it is more applicable to larger museums and the Museum Committee has therefore decided not to register. Cllr Adamson suggested the Museum Committee voice their concerns to Anne McIntosh MP.
The meeting closed at 8.17 p.m.