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Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 5th March 2009 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P115
Present:
Cllrs J.Watson (Chair), D.Adamson, C.Hesmondalgh, J.Marshall, C.Pack, A.Pagram, M.Penson, F.Roberts.
Apologies:
Cllr J.Jackson (abroad) A.Morton (long standing engagement)
1. Open Forum
No members of the public or press were present.
Cllr Marshall was concerned that there had been no presence from the police for two meetings particularly in view of the incidents at the Holmes, Johnson Close and Castle Garth which appeared to centre around drinking issues.
Cllr Watson noted that she had reported the incident at Castlegarth to the Police.
Cllr Marshall advised that the CCTV camera at Tesco’s monitored Castlegarth and she wanted to know what action was being taken under the drinking ban.
Resolved: that the Police be asked to report back on incidents covered by the drinking ban.
2. Minutes.
Resolved:
That the Minutes of the Meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on 16 February 2009 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair subject to :-
i) The amendment of Minute no. 7.6/P112 to read ‘Riverside’ Mews.
ii) The amendment of Minute no. 7.7/P113 to read for ‘some’ disabled badge holders.
iii) The amendment of Minute no.8/P113 to include the names for the memorial applications.
iv) The amendment of Minute no. 9.2/P114 resolution b) to include the pedestrian lights ‘in the Market Place’.
3. Clerks Report on Matters arising from the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 5 February 2009
3.1 Councillors Photographs
The Clerk advised the meeting that he had reported photographs received based on a physical collection and it was now apparent that Cllr Marshall had in fact been one of the first Councillors to submit a photograph by way of Email.
Resolved: That it be noted that Cllr Marshall had submitted her photograph following the initial resolution by the Town Council.
3.1 Public Toilets and Street Cleaning in Thirsk
Copy of letter from Hambleton DC forwarded to Mr. Dale.
Page P116
3.2 Hambleton Local Development Framework: Proposed Submission Allocations Development Plan Document
Councilor’s views and comments reported.
3.3 East Thirsk Play Area
Counterpart lease document completed and submitted to Solicitors.
3.4 Central Areas
Contractor advised regarding turfing of area adjacent to Mill Gardens.
3.5 Greens and Ingramgate
Hambleton DC still to be advised regarding jetting of drains in Stamergate and Long Street.
3.6 Archway Bakers Alley
Letter indemnifying the owners in respect of the erection of the metal arch issued.
3.7 Grass Cutting Tenders
Copy of public liability insurance received and references taken up.
Members raised the following items:-
3.8 Planters on Long Street
Cllr Marshall was disappointed that the Gas Board had not responded.
Greens and Ingramgate Committee was to examine actioning the work.
3.9 Visit to CCTV
No date had been fixed for the visit.
4. Correspondence
4.1 Letter dated 10/02/09 from NYCC re: Thirsk Plinth-A61 Station Road
NYCC advised that a passive safety assessment had concluded that the current location of the plinth was inappropriate and required relocation or replacement with a nameplate fitted to passive posts.
The Clerk advised that Cllr Dadd was aware of the matter and it was intended that a site meeting would be held.
Cllr Watson noted that the proposed location for the plinth was actually in Carlton Minniot.Cllr Roberts advised that the car that hit the plinth would have gone through the hedge and fallen into the adjoining field if the plinth had not been in place.
Resolved: that the matter be considered further following the site meeting.
4.2 Letter dated 16/02/09 from Dean Landscapes re: Grasscutting Tender 2009
The Clerk advised that Dean Landscapes had supplied a copy of their public liability insurance policy and the names of two referees.
Positive references had been given.
Resolved: That the report be noted.
Page P117
4.3 Letter dated 19/02/09 from Thirsk Community Care Association re: Payroll
The Clerk reported that following a discussion with the Community Care association’s Finance Officer he had put forward a proposal in connection with the Association providing a payroll bureau function to the Town Council.
The CCA would charge a flat rate of £4.00 per name per month invoiced quarterly in arrears. The fee would be subject to annual review.
The Association would also be able to process all the end of year paperwork for the financial year 2008/09 for a fee of £40.00.
Cllr Marshall advised that as Chair of Finance she had discussed the proposal with the Clerk and was fully in favor.
Cllr Roberts noted it would also be supporting a local charity.
Resolved:
i) That the Town Council accepts the proposal provided by the Thirsk Community Care Association to provide a payroll bureau function.
ii) That the Clerk examines using BACS for payment of wages.
4.4 Highway Matters – Thirsk
The Clerk reported receipt of a letter dated 10 February 2009 from NYCC in response to the Town Councils letter of January.
With regard to cobbles on Kirkgate, the County Council advised that the thin strip of cobbles was too narrow to provide the structural integrity required and that ideally the section should be replaced with a macadam surface.
It was the intention to keep the area in a safe condition until a decision was made in the new financial year.
On double yellow lining significant lining had been completed but further works would be carried out during the spring and summer.
Referring to the drains in Millgate and Ingramgate, highway gullies underwent two cleans per annum.The matter had been discussed with Joe Gallagher and it had been confirmed that some of the grates could not be properly accessed and were unsuitable for their location. The County Council was assessing possible solutions including replacement,
Cllr Robertson noted that cars parked on the cobbles in Kirkgate inside of the yellow lines and considered that preventative measures should be taken.
Cllr Marshall noted that Kirkgate was in the conservation area, and that cobbles were part of the integral design of Thirsk.
The removal of any Cobbles would be opposed to English Heritage ‘Save Our Streets’.
It was also noted that Cobbles on the opposite side of the road had been reinstated and replaced.
Resolved:
i) That NYCC be advised about the conservation area, the necessity to retain as part of the integral design of Thirsk, English Heritage ‘save our Streets’, and the reinstatement of cobbles in Kirkgate.
ii) That a copy of the letter be passed to Hambleton District Council.
Page P118
4.5 Email re Trees along South Dowber Lane
The Clerk reported receipt of an Email from Mr. and Mrs. Anderson regarding the protection of trees along South Dowber Lane and advised that he was in contact with Chris Amy about the matter.
It was also noted that there had been malicious damage to a tree in Herriot Way and Chris Amy was examining the situation.
Resolved:
That the report be noted
5. Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
The Clerk advised that he had examined the Schedule and it appeared that there was considerable repetition on items at meetings.
He had typed a simplified list which was circulated together with the schedule.
Cllr Marshall noted that the Schedule had been utilized to prevent any unfinished item being forgotten.
Resolved:
That Members examine the list and schedule and report back under the next Amenity Schedule Agenda Item.
6. Reports from Committees.
6.1 Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts advised that the insurance premium had been paid just within the added allocated time scale.
6.2 Central Areas - Cllr Watson advised that the letter regarding the condition of Mill Gardens had been passed to the contractor.
Rob Dickinson was to be asked about re-painting the bus shelter.
Still a problem with pigeon droppings and this was to be pursued with Hambleton DC.
There had been a problem with litter and rubbish in the passageway at the side of the
Co-op but this had now been cleared.
A meeting was to be arranged with PC Brooks regarding Nicks Alley, although he was currently away from work. This would be followed with a letter to all residents.
There were still posters on the telephone box in the Market Place and this was to be pursued with BT.
A further letter had been sent to J.Bell regarding availability of land for allotments.
6.3 Christmas Festivities - Not items to report.
6.4 Greens and Ingramgate. - Cllr Pack noted that a meeting was to be held on 10 March and there was a lot to discuss.
It was reported that the Whitemire roundabout had been reinstated.
6.5 Millennium Green - No items to report
Page P119
6.6 Alleyways and Signage - Cllr Watson noted that the Archway feature was being progressed for erection before the end of March, but consent was still required from the NatWest Bank.
As previously reported it was intended that a structural survey would be cassied out.
The passageway would be closed off for the erection which was planned to take place early on a Sunday morning.
The resurfacing of Batemans Yard had encountered a problem arising from the conversion of a property but it was envisaged that this could be overcome.
6.7 Open Areas - Cllr Marshall noted that the actions recommended by ROSPA were being pursued.
She advised on the history of East Thirsk Play Area and the funding which comprised £43000 from Big Lottery, £12000 Section 106 monies and £5000 from the Town Council totaling £60000.
The main expenditure consisted of the play equipment and the fencing.
A quotation for play equipment had previously been accepted and following revision was in the sum of £53114.
Three Quotes had been received for the fencing in the final sums of £3234, £4594 and £3722 and in view of specification and assistance offered it was recommended that the quotation of £3722 be accepted.
An additional £600 would need to be added to the sum for the provision of gates to allow for grass cutting.
Safer grass tiles were to be used on the area which allowed for grass to grow through, but it had come to light that turfing of the areas where equipment had previously been sited would require a 12 week bedding-in period where safer grass tiles were to be installed.
Cllr Watson was concerned that the well used play area may be without equipment for a period, and the matter was trying to be resolved.
Removal of the existing safety tiles, safety surfacing and remaining equipment would be done in two stages and it was envisaged that Rob Dickinson would be able to undertake the work.
The clerk advised that if a Town Council employee undertook the work the Town Council would be responsible and liable as opposed to a contract being let to a firm.
Cllr Marshall reported that the County Council fence had been installed.
Resolved:
a) That the report be noted
b) That the quotation in the sum of £3722 for the provision of the fence be accepted.
c) That the additional sum of £600 for the provision of access gates be accepted.
6.8 Sensory Garden - Cllr Marshall advised that grant monies needed to be spent by 31 March but there were several ongoing issues.
The land transfer had not been completed and it was now to be pursued under the terms of the Section 106 Agreement which stated that it had to be in place within 3 months of the first occupation at Nursery Gardens.
Page P120
A letter had been received from Taylor Wimpey asking the Town Council to make its best offer for the20 sq.m of land, even though the Council had already stated the nominal sum of £1.
An alternative approach was now being tried.
A site visit had been held which examined the location of the flowerbeds, the position of the memorial stone, the Artwork and railings.
Cllr Marshall advised of the makaton symbols that would be used in the garden and noted that the harbour wall repairs had been completed.
Copies of the second newsletter were handed out which included information and pictures from Richard Pearson, a Solicitor in Paris, who had members of his family buried in the garden.
6.9 Ditches - Hambleton had declined to undertake ditch cleaning after previously agreeing to undertake the work and this was being re-addressed.
7. Items of Information.
Cllr Roberts advised that she had attended a meeting at County Hall with Cllr Dadd to discuss roadworks in relation to the Lidl development.
The work was to commence Monday 9 March and would be completed by 31 March prior to the first Race meeting.
The first part of the work would be carried out at the Newsome Road end.
There would be two sets of traffic lights and these would be manually controlled at peak times. A pedestrian crossing was to be installed between Tesco’s and the Lidl site.
Cllr Roberts advised that a Skate Park Meeting had taken place and following a feasibility study the preferred area had been declared safe.
Money was available from Lottery funding and Hambleton DC and manufacturers were being approached.
Input was particularly by the young people who skateboarded and would use the facility.
Clr Marshall noted that the Town Councils position with regard to car parking charges should be made public knowledge.
Resolved: that a press release be prepared in relation to the Town councils position on the introduction of car parking charges.
Cllr Pack advised that the Thirsk in Bloom AGM was to be held on 13 April 2009.
Cllr Penson advised that she had requested the Chamber of Trade to distribute notices for display in shops advising of the one hour free parking in the Market Place.
She also noted that the Blacksmiths Arms had closed and requested that a letter of appreciation be sent to Bill Brown for the regular clean-up of the grassed area
Cllr Adamson advised that the County Council had put stones on the public right of way from Hambleton to St.Marys.
Page P121
Cllr Hesmondhalgh noted that work was also being carried out on the ginnel in Dowber Way.
Cllr Watson advised that a there was an old Thirsk Town Mayor Account with Lloyds TSB with the sum of £15.61.
The account appeared to be classified as dormant and as a result probably transferred to a holding account.
Resolved:
That the account be closed and the monies donated to a charity
Clr Watson advised that she had attended the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery Dinner at Alanbrooke Barracks and they were keen to get involved in the community while they were in England.
Cllr Adamson reported Hambleton DC comments submitted in respect of NYCC additional on-street parking measures.
Part 2
Confidential Items
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting of Thirsk Town Council
held on Monday 16th March 2009 at 7:00pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh,
J. Marshall, A. Morton, C.M. Pack, M. Penson, F.M. Roberts
Apologies:
Cllrs J. Jackson, A. Pagram
1.Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 17th March 2008
Resolved: that the minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 17 March 2008 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
2. Matters Arising from the Minutes
Silt under Millgate Bridge was an ongoing matter.
3.Chairman’s Report
Cllr Watson presented her report which included the issue of car parking charges, the introduction of the on street drinking ban, and the work carried out to Millgate Bridge.
She noted the large number of applications dealt with by the planning committee, and the various projects undertaken by the Town Council.
Cllr Watson thanked all members of the Town Council for their work together with the County and District Councillors.
4.Representations from Electors of the Parish
None received.
5. Other Items of Interest and Information
None received.
The meeting closed at 7.10pm
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 16th March 2009 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P123
Present:
Cllrs J.Watson (Chair), D.Adamson, C.Hesmondhalgh, J.Marshall, A.Morton, C.Pack, M.Penson, F.Roberts
Apologies:
Cllr A. Pagram (appointment) J.Jackson (out of the country)
1. Minutes
Resolved:
That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 March 2009 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to the following amendments:
a) ‘Miniott’ in minute no.4.1 P116
b) ‘Roberts’ in Minute no 4.4 P117
c)’ Whitemare’ in Minute no 6.4 P118
d) ‘carried’ in Minute no.6.6 P119
e.) ‘Newsham’ in Minute no 7 P120
2. Police Report
No members of the Police were present
3. NYCC and HDC Reports
3.1 NYCC
Cllr Dadd advised that he had discussed the issue relating to the future removal of cobbles in Kirkgate and it was extremely unlikely that this would occur.
The site meeting regarding the plinth on the boundary between Thirsk and Carlton Miniott had taken place with the outcome that a slightly different sign would be erected with a flowerbed around its base.
The County Council had agreed a tax rise below 4%.
Cllr Dadd referred to the agreed procedure with regard to the highway works in connection with the Lidl supermarket development and was to ensure that the manual operation of the traffic lights at specific times was effected.
The area committee was to be held on the 6 April.
Cllr Penson questioned how the measures to manage displaced parking would be monitored.
Cllr Marshall advised that there was a car parking problem at East Thirsk Community Hall and school as a result of the children’s centre running courses and the transfer of baby clinics to the centre resulting in insufficient parking spaces.
Cllr Dadd confirmed he would examine the situation.
Page P124
3.2 HDC
Cllr Adamson advised that the arbitration panel had reached a settlement on the pay award which increased pay scales by 0.030%.He advised that this would have an impact on jobs and services.
S.Prentice had reported that toilets would be cleaned and opened for 8.00am, would have a mid-day clean between 12.30pm and 2.00 pm and would close at 6.00 pm.
Spot inspections to monitor and record would take place.
Cllr Dadd reported that Hambleton were considering shared services and management with Richmondshire which could produce substantial savings.
Resolved:
That the reports be noted.
4. Open Forum
Resolved:
That standing orders be suspended.
Mr Hinton the owner of Threshers advised that he was applying for planning permission for change of use of 1st floor offices to 2 residential units at 64a Market Place and he was concerned about the condition of Nicks Alley.
He advised that he would be willing to join with the Council in pursuing a clean up the area.
Cllr Watson advised that it was intended to have a meeting with PC Brooks following which contact would be made with owners and occupiers of properties.
Cllr Watson advised that Mr Hinton’s comments were noted and thanked him for his contribution.
Resolved:
That standing orders be reinstated.
5. Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 16 February 2009.
5.1 Land Registry
Registration of land was still to be pursued.
5.2 Savings Account
The form for withdrawal had been submitted.
5.3 NYCC Disc Parking/Prohibition of Waiting Order
Comments had been submitted.
5.4 Hambleton DC (Off-Street Parking Places) Order 2009
Representations had been submitted.
6. Finance
6.1 Accounts for payment
Resolved:
That the schedule of accounts for payment be approved (see appendix A)
Page P125
6.2 Monthly Balance Sheet
Resolved: that the balance sheet for February be received.
6.3: Budget Report
The Clerk advised that it appeared that the cells, formula or formatting was corrupt and therefore the budget report was producing incorrect figures and needed examining.
Cllr Marshall confirmed that she had discussed the matter with the Clerk and noted that the next report was the important one.
7. Correspondence.
7.1 Hambleton DC: Thirsk Area Forum
Letter dated 3 March 2009 advising of the Thirsk area forum to be held on 31 March at The Old Courthouse.
7.2 Hambleton DC; Request for Temporary Rolling Road Closure
Letter dated 5 March 2009 regarding temporary closure of roads for vale of Mowbray Scouts St. Georges Day Parade.
7.3 Action for Market Towns
Email dated 10 March 2009 advising of the ‘knowledge hub’ and ‘Understanding Your Market Town’ event.
8. Tabled Correspondence
Cllr Marshall noted the Thirsk Community Primary School Nursery Brochure.
9. Meetings
Cllr Roberts gave a potted history of the Town Council over the last 30 years advising how the Council had gone from one meeting per month to two per month and how the work had increased substantially.
She noted the problems that arose as a result of two meetings per month particularly in relation to time span between meetings, undertaking the work generated from the meetings and confirmation and discussion of previous minutes.
Discussion took place with regard to committee minutes, repetition of items, reports and the length of time one meeting used to take.
Cllr Marshall considered that the Council should examine the matter further and look at other Councils formats.
Cllr Adamson saw both sides of the matter but noted the increased workload for the staff.
Following further discussion it was
Resolved:
a) That an Item be placed on the Agenda for the Meeting to be held on Monday 20 April.
b) That the Clerk prepares a report for the Meeting.
Page P126
10.1 Burial Board Report/Approval of Applications for Memorials
Cllr Adamson advised that there were no items to report.
Resolved:
That the memorial application for M.Shaw by Dales of Thirsk be approved.
10.2 Thirsk Cemetery Fees from April 2009
The Meeting was advised of the proposed Cemetery fees from 1 April 2009 based on a 5% increase.
Resolved:
That the schedule of Cemetery fees from 1 April 2009 be approved.
11. Reports
11.1 Representatives
a) East Thirsk Community Hall
Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that a caretaker had been appointed and was starting on Tuesday.
b) Thirsk Clock
Cllr Adamson reported that they were still looking for premises.
11.2 Members
Cllr Pack noted that there was a potential conflict between pedestrians and cyclists at the car park at Nursery Garden to Chapel Street and suggested that a sign would be beneficial.
It was noted that it was an official cycle route.
Resolved:
That examination of the provision of an appropriate sign be undertaken.
Cllr Penson advised that there had been break-ins along Millgate and property owners and occupiers needed to be aware and take due care.
Cllr Marshall considered that a Police presence was required at Meetings to discuss such situations.
The meeting closed at 8.55pm
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