Thirsk Town Council

Minutes of the Town Council Meeting
held on Thursday 2nd April 2009 at 7:30pm in the Annexe,
Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall

Present:
Cllrs J Watson (Chair), D Adamson, C Hesmondhalgh, A Morton, C Pack, M Penson, F Roberts.

Apologies:
Cllrs J Jackson ( abroad) J Marshall (illness)

1. Open Forum
Resolved: that standing orders be suspended.
Mr Mills of Hambleton Place advised that he had raised the issue of allotments with the Town Council 14 months ago but had received no communication since that time.
He was concerned that various projects were proceeding such as the Sensory Garden but nothing appeared to be happening with the provision of allotments and there had been no mention in the Town Council minutes.
Cllr Watson advised that the Town Council had written to John Bell to question whether he had any land available which was suitable for the provision of allotments and the Central Areas Committee had recently agreed to send a follow up letter.
Mr Mills suggested that other landowners should be approached.
Cllr Watson confirmed that the Town Council were pursuing the matter and took receipt of contact details for Mr Mills.

Mr Hinton referred to the Minutes of the last Town Council Meeting and he reaffirmed that he was happy to assist in relation to cleaning up Nicks Alley.
Cllr Watson advised that the proposed meeting with PC Brooks was currently on hold in view of his absence due to illness. She advised that the Town Council had noted Mr Hinton’s comments and interest and confirmed that the Town Council would be in contact when the matter proceeded.
Sergeant Hannan advised of the situation regarding staffing and noted that if an Officer was not able to attend a meeting any items raised by the Town Council should be telephoned or emailed.
Inspector Osborne had commenced duties on the 1 April, and the Police Station in the Market Place was to be used for working from on a regular basis.
Cllr Watson noted the problems that had occurred at Castlegarth, the picnic area and Johnson Close in respect of alcohol.
Sergeant Hannan advised that the drinking ban in force related to persons of 18 years and above and was working in the Market Place. It did not however cover children under that age group and did not address or solve the underage drinking problem.
Cllr Morton reported on problems that had been encountered on Friday and Saturday nights in the Church porch way.
Cllr Watson thanked Sergeant Hannan for attending the meeting.
Resolved: that standing orders be reinstated

2. Minutes
Resolved: that the minutes of the Meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on Monday 16 March be approved and signed by the Chair subject to the inclusion of 10/1 on P126

3. Matters arising from the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held 5 March 2009
3.1 Plinth A61 Station Road
As reported at the last Town Council Meeting, the site meeting had taken place and it had been agreed that a different sign be erected with a flowerbed around the base.
3.2 CAA Payroll Bureau/BACS
The Clerk advised that the payroll proposal had been agreed and accepted.
The business manager at Barclays Bank had advised that the minimum number of employees for BACS usage was five and he had suggested online banking.
Cllr Watson had discussed credit transfer with the Branch and they had agreed to accept a cheque and staff paying-in books to undertake the function.
3.3 Cobbles in Kirkgate
Cllr Dadd had raised the issue with the County Council and advised that it was extremely unlikely that any cobbles would be removed.
A letter setting out the Town Councils concerns had also been sent.
3.4 Press Release – Car Parking Charges.
The press release had been published in the Darlington and Stockton Times.
3.5 Former Mayors Bank Account
The account had been closed and the monies paid into the Town Council Account pending the Mayor choosing a charity.
Resolved: that the reports be noted.

4. Correspondence
4.1 Letter dated 19 March 2009 from NYCC re: Gravel Hole Lane
The letter advised that the County Council was due to carry out highway maintenance works as part of a rolling programme.
4.2 Letter dated 19 March 2009 from NYCC re: A167 Wellfield Farm
The letter advised that highway maintenance would be carried out as part of the rolling programme of works.
4.3 Letter dated 20 March2009 from Environment Agency re: Great Crested Newt Survey.
As part of the study for a proposed flood alleviation scheme a survey would be undertaken to determine the presence of Great Crested Newts in the vicinity of Cod Beck.
4.4 Email dated 27 March 2009 from Peter Cole HDC
Advising that Sport England had confirmed funding towards Thirsk Swimming Pool improvement project and that work would hopefully start from 20 April with a planned opening for October 2009.
4.5 Letter dated 1 April 2009 from Elaine Coulson.
Cllr Watson reported receipt of a letter thanking the Town Council for the National Savings cheque in respect of the gratuity payment.

5. Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
The Clerk noted that the schedule and a simplified list had been circulated at the Meeting on 5 March and it had been agreed that Members would examine the documents and report back. It was noted that the simplified version could be incorporated into the actual Agenda.
Resolved: that the simplified list of outstanding Amenity items be utilised.

6. Minutes/Reports from Committees/Working Parties
6.1 Carrs Field
Cllr Roberts reported that the Trust had requested Cllr Dadd to pursue extending the drinking ban to include Carrs Field.
6.2 Central Areas.
The Meeting received the minutes of the Central Areas Committee held on 24 March2009.
Cllr Watson advised that it was intended to pursue the situation concerning pigeons and discuss the matter further with Hambleton District Council.
Cllr Roberts noted the condition of pavements with pigeon droppings and considered that Hambleton DC should be asked to arrange for the Street Scene Staff to sweep the problem areas.
Resolved:
a) That the Minutes of the Central Areas Committee held on 24 March 2009 be received and noted.
b) That Hambleton DC be requested to arrange for the sweeping of the pavement areas in the Market Place affected by pigeon droppings
6.3 Greens and Ingramgate
Cllr Pack advised that the Committee had accepted a revised quotation from M.Burnett in the sum of Ł2792.33 for provision of birdmouth fencing on the Little Green, and it was intended that this would be partly funded from the 2008/09 Long Street Enhancement budget.
The plasticrete provision had been given until the end of June to prove satisfactory.
Planters on Long Street were to be repaired and renovated to a maximum budget of Ł500.
Resolved: That the acceptance of the quotation of Ł2792.33 for birdmouth fencing on Little Green and use of the 2008/09 Long Street Enhancement Budget be ratified.
6.4 Millennium Green
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that the East Thirsk Primary School had undertaken a school project on the green spending time in the area.
6.5 Open Areas
The Clerk reported that a meeting had been held with Playdale in respect of the East Thirsk Play Area and revised plans were to be prepared utilising some or all of the existing safety surfacing.
A further meeting of Open Areas Committee would be held when the plans were received.
6.6 Sensory Garden
The Clerk reported that the transfer of the land was still awaited.
The final draft of the Agreement for access over the library car park had been submitted.
This included provisions to pay a fair proportion of the cost of maintenance and repair, weight restriction and that the line of access could be altered if necessary with the Town Council being responsible for any reasonable boundary delineation required.
Resolved: That Cllrs Watson and Pack be authorised to sign the Agreement document for and on behalf of the Town Council

7. Items of Information
Cllr Hesmondhalgh noted the problems with rubbish at Dowber Way and Tranmire Ditch.

Cllr Pack advised that Thirsk in Bloom AGM was to be held on 13 April in the Town Hall.

Cllr Morton noted that there was a constant accumulation of rubbish near to the post box between St.Marys Avenue and St.Marys Walk where a mobile unit was in place.

Cllr Watson advised that the Planning Enforcement Officer was examining a development issue at Batemans Yard which had arisen during the surface reinstatement.

The Clerk advised that the host company for the Town Council Thirsk Heritage web site required paying for the hosting account in the sum of Ł21.00, but would only accept credit card payment.
Resolved: that the Clerk examine the usage of the website

The Meeting closed at 8.45pm.

Minutes of the Town Council Meeting
held on Monday 20th April 2009 at 7:15pm in the Annexe,
Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall

Present:
Cllrs C.Pack (in the Chair), D.Adamson, C.Hesmondhalgh, J.Marshall, A.Morton, A.Pagram, M.Penson, F.Roberts, A.Robinson

Apologies:
Cllrs J.Jackson (abroad) J.Watson (abroad)

8. Minutes
Resolved: that the minutes of the meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on 2 April 2009 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair subject to the amendment of Minute 7 to read ‘near to the post box on St Marys Walk’.

9. Police Report
No representatives were present.

10. Reports on Matters pertaining to Thirsk
10.1 North Yorkshire County Council
Cllr Dadd advised that he had taken up the issue of parking at the children’s centre in East Thirsk and was to visit the site with the Highways Officer.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays were the most appropriate days to visit the area.
In view of the forthcoming County Council elections Cllr Dadd advised that he would not be attending any further Meetings prior to June 4 to ensure an equal and fair platform and would deal with any matters raised through correspondence or via the Clerk.
10.2 Hambleton District Council
Cllr Dadd reported that the positioning of the CCTV camera in Millgate was being examined with a view to moving it.
Hambleton District Area Forum was to approach relevant bodies and statutory authorities with regard to Café Culture.
The District Council was looking to provide a three week holiday on car parking charges on the run up to Christmas.
Cllr Adamson advised that the Licensing Committee had approved the licence for White Horse Stores on Long Street.
The Employers Side of the NJC had offered an across the board pay increase of 0.50% for 2009/10.

11. Open Forum
No members of the Public were present.

12. Matter arising from the Thirsk Town Council Meeting held on 16 March 2009
12.1 Meetings
The Clerk advised that the item had been discussed at the Personnel Committee in conjunction with staffing issues and in this respect suggested that it might be prudent to consider the item in Part II of the Meeting.
Resolved: that the item be considered in Part II of the Meeting
12.2 Provision of sign at Nursery Garden Car Park
The Clerk advised that the matter had not yet been pursued.
Cllr Pagram advised of concerns regarding cyclists using the cut between Chapel Mews and Nursery Garden car park and possible conflict with vehicles and pedestrians.
Following further discussion it was
Resolved: i. that the provision of an appropriate sign at Nursery Garden Car Park be pursued ii. that the relevant Authority be requested to examine the provision of a barrier at the cut between Chapel Mews and Nursery Garden Car Park to prevent cyclist, pedestrian and vehicle conflict.
12.3 NYCC Disc Parking/Prohibition of Waiting Order 2009
Cllr Adamson advised that he had attended the meeting which had considered this matter. The County Council had undertaken considerable checking in relation to the order and provision of yellow lines and had considered the various submissions made with some ideas taken on board.
12.4 Hambleton DC: Thirsk Area Forum
Cllr Adamson noted that the issue concerning pigeons had been raised at the Area Forum. He considered that the issue might be classed as a statutory nuisance and therefore subject to statutory provision.
Cllr Penson noted that a copy letter had been received from J.Proud setting out the various issues regarding feeding pigeons.

13. Finance
13.1 Accounts for Payment
Resolved: that the schedule of accounts for payment at 20 April 2009 be approved (Appendix A)
13.2 Monthly Balance Sheet/Budget Report
The monthly balance sheet was circulated.
The Clerk advised that he was still checking the budget report documents.
Resolved: i. that the balance sheet for March be received.
ii. That the report be noted

14 Correspondence/Items Raised
14.1 Gifts and Hospitality Protocol – Letter dated 11 March from HDC
Letter enclosing recently adopted Protocol on Gifts and Hospitality.
Resolved: that the Protocol be copied to Councillors.
14.2 Town Hall Room Hire Charges – Letter from Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall
Letter advising of charges from April 2009 based on an average 2% increase.
14.3 Parking Proposals – Letter dated 17 March 2009 from NYCC
Letter advising of the parking proposals under the Disc Parking/Prohibition of Waiting Order 2009. Members noted that the letter did not respond to the specific items raised by the Town Council in its letter of 26 February.
Resolved: that NYCC be requested to respond specifically to the issues raised by the Town Council.
14.4 Urban Grass Cutting – 2 letters dated 7 April 2009 from NYCC
Letter advising of the County Councils financial contribution for grasscutting in2009/10, and a letter identifying an additional area of land adjacent to the Church.
14.5 Newsline – joint newsletter from District and County Councils of North Yorkshire
The Clerk reported receipt of Newsline and noted that it incorporated proposals for Parish and Town Council liaison arrangements.
14.6 Disposal and Landfill Tax Increases April 2009 – letter dated 1 March from FD Todd and Son
Letter advising of the increase in Landfill Tax for active general waste and prices from 1 April 2009.
14.7 Street Naming and Numbering – Letter dated 9 April 2009 from Hambleton DC
Letter advising of numbering of new properties as 5A, 5B, 5C Front Street.
14.8 Parking Space adjacent to Castle Colour Printers/Upstairs Downstairs.
The Clerk advised that he had been approached regarding the car parking space which was at a right angle to the other spaces and had been requested to seek the Town Councils support in pursuing the space being converted into a bicycle stand area.
There were a considerable number of incidents with cars reversing into the space either damaging or blocking access to cars parked in the adjoining space and egress from the space was onto the bend in Finkle Street. Bicycles were also constantly left leaning against the windows of the Printers.
Cllr Pagram considered it would be beneficial to have a bike stand on both sides of the Market Place and would promote the various current health and transport issues.
Following further discussion it was
Resolved: that Hambleton DC be requested to consider converting the car space adjacent to Castle Colour Printers/Upstairs Downstairs into a bicycle stand area.
14.9 Carlton Miniott Signs on Station Road
The Clerk reported that he had been approached by a resident regarding the removal of the Carlton Miniott signs on Station Road which were actually in Thirsk parish following the last boundary change.
The resident had advised that they caused confusion to visitors who were not aware of the parish boundary.
Members noted that the signs had been in place both before and after the boundary change and that the matter was a County Council responsibility.
Resolved: that the matter be noted.

15 Burial Board Report/Approval of Applications for Memorials
Cllr Adamson advised that there were no matters to report and no applications for memorials had been received.

16. Reports
16.1 Representatives
Cllr Roberts reported on TRI including the on-going Comedy Festival.
Cllr Marshall advised that the Yorkshire Society were supporting the comedy festival in Thirsk and it was felt that it would be of benefit if the Town Council became a member.
Members noted that the Yorkshire Society were responsible for organising Yorkshire day and it was felt that Thirsk could benefit by the Town Council becoming a member.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that the East Thirsk Community Hall Caretaker had been in post for six weeks, and a new booking clerk was to start in May.
Resolved: that the Town Council apply for membership of the Yorkshire Society
16.2 Members
Cllr Adamson noted that pavements in East Thirsk had been tarmacadamed.
Cllr Penson advised that she was undertaking the watering of the newly laid turf at Mill Gardens. The Black Bull public house had Karaoke on a Friday night which was designated to finish at midnight but had exceeded this time zone.
Cllr Marshall reported that the last blue plaque, in respect of Hannah Packer, which was on 35 Market Place, was to be officially unveiled in late May by Cooper Harding.

17. Meetings
The Clerk advised that he had reported on meetings and connected staffing matters to the Personnel Committee following the discussion at Full Council.
This included the time spent on preparation of agenda, notices and minutes for dealing with two Full Council Meetings per month, together with the varying length of time between the meetings.
The Report referred to repetition at meetings, committee minutes being presented, the various committees and other local authority’s committee systems.
The Clerk also noted the hours and work undertaken by the previous Clerk.
Following on the Clerk advised that he had suggested to the Personnel Committee that the appointment of a Committee Clerk would assist.
The Committee Clerk would help in preparation and dispatch, issue of notices, taking and production of Council Minutes. Other office work such as filing could be undertaken if time allowed. This would help free-up the Clerks time to concentrate on the work generated by the Council. Based on an average of 12 hours per month using NJC Scale 1 the cost to the Council would be approximately Ł1000 per year.
The purchase of a laptop computer was also suggested to allow flexibility in the Office.
The Clerk advised that he would do a full report for Members to consider options available in respect of meetings.
Resolved: i. that the Town Council appoint a Committee Clerk based on a minimum of 12 hours per month on a point within NJ&C Scale1 according to knowledge and experience.
ii. That a computer laptop be purchased.
iii. That the Clerk presents a report on the options for Meetings/Committees to the Council Meeting to be held on the 18 May.

18. Clerks Probationary Period/Salary Review
Cllr Pack reported the completion of the probationary period by the Clerk and put forward the salary review details.
Resolved: that the Clerk be placed on Point 23 of Local Council Scale 1(a)

The Meeting Closed at 8.40pm