Thirsk Town Council

Minutes of the Town Council Meeting
held on Thursday 4th June 2009 at 7:30pm in the Annexe,
Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall

Present
Cllrs D. Adamson (Chair), C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, A. Morton, F. Roberts.

Apologies
Cllrs C. Pack (Bereavement) A. Pagram (appointment) M. Penson (Election staffing) J. Watson (Election staffing).

36. Open Forum
The Police representative advised that there were currently three operations being undertaken one of which was the national drink drive campaign over a two week period.
Operation Arc was being undertaken with Trading Standards and targeted the sale of alcohol to underage youths and children.
Under Operation Ladybird there would be a high presence of police in the Market Place at weekends.

37. Minutes
Resolved: that the minutes of the Town council meeting held on the 18 of May 2009 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the chair subject to the amendment of ‘Cllr Roberts referred to’ under minute No 30, and ‘ was awaiting a response following examination of the CCTV footage‘ under Minute 35.2.

38. Matters arising from the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 7th May 2009.
38.1 Account at Garden Centre
The Clerk advised that he had spoken to Diane Miller, regarding the matter and she was arrange to set up an appropriate account. It was noted that Baldersby Garden Centre was most appropriate for provision of the plants in this instance.
38.2 Land at Sensory Garden: appointment of Joplings.
The Clerk advised that he and discussed the matter with Malcolm Parker and had sent a formal letter of appointment.
38.3. Condition of Thircon Roundabout.
The Clerk noted that the roundabout grass had been cut following it being reported to the County Council.
39. Correspondence/Items Raised.
39.1 Quotations re: Gates at Carrs Field for Ethel Johnson Bequest Trust.
The Clerk advised members that representatives had met with the Police and the Trustees were looking to improve the security of the field by the provision of metal gates.
Two quotations had been submitted by the Trust from SGS and AA Contractors.
Following further discussion it was:
Resolved: a) that the Trustees be advised that the Town Council accept the quotation from S.G.S. b) The Trustees be requested to ensure that the gates provided are as vandal proof as possible.
39.2 Letter dated 1st May 2009 from NYCC re: Cobbles on Kirkgate.
The County Council advised that the whole area of cobbles along the side of Kirkgate would have to be renewed at the same time to maintain the structural integrity of the area and this would have to be considered as a scheme proposal submission. In the meantime the strip would maintained and any hazardous defects would be made safe.
Resolved: That the letter be noted.
39.3 Letter dated 4th May.2009 from Dr J Cuthbert re: Feral Pigeons.
The Clerk read the letter from Dr J Cuthbert which gave advice regarding feral pigeons. Resolved: that the letter be noted and Dr Cuthbert be thanked for the information and advice.

40. Outstanding Amenity Items.
40.1 Plasticrete on Little Green
Cllr Marshall questioned whether any response had been received from Hambleton District Council and the Clerk advised that there had been no further communication. Resolved: that the provision of plasticrete at the Little Green be pursued with HDC.
40.2 Relocating Ducks
Cllr Jackson questioned whether any progress had been made in respect of relocating ducks and Cllr Marshall advised that some information had been received from Natural England. Cllr Jackson noted that Gordon Buckley would probably be able to assist in this matter.
Resolved: that the Town Council contact Gordon Buckley in this matter.

41. Minutes / Reports from Committees/Working Parties.
41.1. Central Areas.
The Clerk reported that the agents acting on behalf of the National Westminster Bank in relation to the erection of the decorative archway had advised that the Bank had no objections but required a formal licence to be prepared. The Town Council would have to be responsible for the legal fees involved in the preparation of the license which amounted to Ł750.00 plus VAT.
Resolved: that the Town Council confirm acceptance of responsibility for the National Westminster Bank’s legal fees in the sum of Ł750 plus VAT in relation to the preparation of a formal licence.
41.2 Greens and Ingramgate.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh noted that the White Mare Roundabout would require watering and questioned whether it was possible for R Dickinson, the Cemetery Groundsman, to undertake this work.
Resolved: a) that R Dickinson be approached with regard to watering of the Roundabout b) that Yorkshire Water be contacted for the stand pipe licence.
41.3 Millennium Green
Cllr Adamson advised that the next meeting of the Committee was to be an open air meeting at the Green.
41.4 Open Areas.
Cllr Marshall referred to the recent play area inspection by Julie Harron and noted that the new bench and path had been provided on The Holmes by Taylor Wimpey but only a narrow gap had been left which was inadequate for wheelchairs. She advised that it would be necessary for removal of part of the fence in this respect.
Cllr Marshall advised of the history of the East Thirsk Play Area and the various quotations received from 2007 to the present time. She noted that the latest quotation included two new items which had not previously been included, namely inspection chambers for single mast activity net at Ł1150.00 and welfare facilities at Ł1826.00.
At no time during the various discussions with Playdale had there been any indication of these items. Following further talks Playdale had increased the discount to the maximum 20% but the quotation was still in the sum of Ł56895.00 which was in excess of budget.
Following further discussion it was
Resolved: i) that M.Burnett be instructed to remove part of the fence adjacent to the new path at The Holmes to enable wheelchair access.
ii) that the quotation dated 3 June 2009 in the sum of Ł568965.00 from Playdale in respect of East Thirsk Play Area be accepted due to the timescale involved.
iii) that Playdale be advised of the Towns Councils concern and disappointment with regard to the service received from the company.
41.5. Sensory Garden.
Cllr Marshall updated members on the current position regarding the Sensory Garden and noted that the land was still not in the ownership of the Town Council although it was hoped that progress could now be made.
She advised that work was still progressing and questioned whether the Town Council wanted to continue expending money until such time as the various issues were resolved.
Following further discussion it was:
Resolved: That no further work to the sensory garden be undertaken until such time as all land transfer and legal issues have been resolved.
41.6 Ditches.
Cllr Marshall advised that a meeting of the Ditches working party had been held. A letter had been received by the Town Councils Solicitors from Keeble Hawson, who acted for Barratt Homes, questioning whether the Town Council would take over the responsibility for the ditch across the Millennium Green together with the Tranmire Ditch. The Ditches Working Party had advised that the Town Council would not take over responsibility of the ditch on the Millennium Green.
The meeting had also considered an issue concerning the ditch to the rear of Darrowby Close and were to advise the person concerned that the ditch was in private ownership.

42. Items of information
Cllr Marshall advised that the unveiling of the Hannah Packer Plaque had gone successfully and had been well attended including the chairman of NYCC and the Chairman of Hambleton District Council together with the daughter of Bill Hayes, the contact in Uruguay, and her children.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh noted the requirement for notice boards on the industrial estate.
Cllr Jackson questioned whether any information had been received from HDC with regard to the attendant supervised toilets at Northallerton.
Cllr Morton advised that the area adjoining the post box at St Marys walk still required cleaning.
It was also noted that the roadway on the Industrial Estate was subject to cars parking resulting in problems for lorries on the estate. Cllr Roberts questioned whether a one way system would assist in this respect.
Resolved:
i) That Hambleton District council be requested to provide information and details in respect of the attendant supervised toilets at Northallerton.
ii) That an item regarding the access road at Thirsk Industrial Estate be placed on the agenda for the Town Council meeting to be held on 2 July 2009

The meeting closed at 9.15 pm

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

Present:
Cllrs D. Adamson (Chair), C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, F. Roberts

Apologies:
Cllrs A. Morton(injury), C. Pack(bereavement), A. Pagram(illness), M. Penson(holiday), J. Watson(holiday)

43. Minutes.
Resolved: that the Minutes of the Meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on 4 June 2009 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the chair subject to the amendment of minute no.38.3 to read Thircon, minute no.41.5 to read Darrowby Close, Minute no.42 to read Packer and Cllr Hesmondhalgh noted the requirement for notice boards on the industrial estate.

44. Police Report
No representatives were present.

45. Reports on Matters Relating to Thirsk
45.1 NYCC
Cllr Dadd advised that he was delighted to have been re-elected to the County Council. Cllr Jackson questioned the position regarding the possible replacement of Thirsk Secondary School. He noted that the property had been erected at a time when build quality was not very good and that the building was in a bad condition. He therefore felt that the replacement should be treated as a priority for the Town.
Cllr Dadd advised that there was a programme which was subject to prioritisation criteria, timescales and funding. He confirmed that he would examine the matter and report back. Cllr Marshall questioned whether any progress had been made with regard to the car parking problem at East Thirsk.
Cllr Dadd advised that the Highways Officer was trying to reach an appropriate agreement and long term solution.
45.2 HDC
Cllr Adamson noted that a survey on behalf of HDC and NYCC was to be undertaken in respect of the provision for teenagers around the Town.
Cllr Marshall noted that it had been reported that HDC had Ł50,000 available for new play schemes and questioned if this included re-visiting existing play areas.
Resolved: that HDC be requested to provide details of the finance available for play schemes.

46. Open Forum
No members of the public wished to speak

47. Matters arising from the Meeting held on 18 May 2009
47.1 Membership of Yorkshire Society
The Clerk advised that the Membership form was completed and that a cheque for the fee of Ł150.00 was included for signing in the accounts for payment.
47.2 Unveiling of Hannah Packer Plaque
The Clerk reported on the event that had taken place on 29 May.
The attendees had included the Mayor, Chairman of NYCC, Chairman of HDC and the daughter of the original contact in Uruguay.
The Clerk noted that Cllr Marshall had undertaken the majority of the preparation work for the event which had been much appreciated.
47.3 Burial Board Report/Headstone Count
Cllr Adamson advised that the Cemetery Groundsman had undertaken and completed the headstone count, with a figure of 1650 memorials.
He noted that the next Burial Board Meeting would consider the appointment of a firm to undertake and log a stability check of memorials.
47.4 Shop Local
Cllr Marshall noted that Cllr Watson had attended the launch of Shop Local and proposed that the relevant person be invited to present the scheme to the Town Council.
Resolved: that a presentation in respect of Shop Local be arranged.
47.5 Bus Shelter
Cllr Marshall questioned whether there had been any progress in relation to the CCTV footage of the incident at the bus shelter.

48. Finance
48.1 Accounts for Payment
Resolved: that the schedule of accounts be approved for payment (see appendix A)
48.2 Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for May
The Clerk advised that the budget report would be updated for the next appropriate meeting.
Resolved: that the monthly balance sheet be approved.
48.3 Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2009
The Clerk advised that as the month to month accounts were undertaken on a receipts and payments basis he had presumed that this was the system used by the Council.
The Council did in fact convert the receipts and payments to an income and expenditure basis at the end of the financial year.
The external auditors had advised that on the amounts involved the Council could utilise either system and the year ended 31 March 2009 had been prepared on a receipts and payments basis. It was noted that the previous year’s figures had to be amended to receipts and payments for the statement of accounts submission.
Copies of the statement of accounts and annual governance statement were circulated. Following further discussion it was
Resolved: a) that the Statement of accounts for the year ended 31 March 2009 prepared on a receipts and payments basis be approved and signed by the chair.
b) that numbers 1 to 8 inclusive on the annual governance statement be agreed and the statement be signed by the chair.

49. Correspondence/Items Raised
49.1 Email dated 28 May 2009 from NYCC re: Traffic Matters in Thirsk
The Clerk reported the email from NYCC which advised that the timing of the pedestrian crossing in the Market Place had not been changed, but on inspection a fault had been found.
With regard to the junction of Chapel Street and Westgate, the Highway Authority had recognised the need to improve the junction and had placed it on the reserve list of schemes awaiting funding where it would compete against other schemes.
The issues concerning Chapel Street and Chapel Mews had been passed to HDC to deal with. Resolved: that the letter be received and noted.
49.2 Letter dated 1 June 2009 from HDC re: Car Parking Charges – Christmas 2009
The Clerk reported receipt of the letter which sought the Town Councils views on the introduction of free parking in the Town during the Christmas shopping period.
Resolved: that HDC be advised that the Town Council opposes car parking charges in the Town and therefore would support free parking over the whole of the Christmas shopping period.
49.3 Letter dated 1 June 2009 from I.W. McQuade re: Allotments
The Meeting considered the letter which requested the provision of an allotment.
The Clerk advised that he had examined the allotment file which contained the various applications received.
It was considered that it would be beneficial to obtain appropriate press coverage resulting in landowners becoming aware of the situation.
Cllr Marshall noted that some land had been identified in a District Wide Plan by HDC as allotments and suggested that this could be pursued.
Following further discussion it was
Resolved: a) that appropriate press coverage be pursued
b) that HDC be approached with regard to land allocated for allotments.

50. Burial Board Report/Approval of Applications for Memorials
Cllr Adamson noted that the Burial Board was to meet to discuss Memorials, following the headstone count and issue of further advice by government, and the shallow grave policy.

51. Reports
51.1 Representatives
Cllr Roberts noted that a working party was examining disbanding the NY Playing Fields Association.
Cllr Adamson reported on the Millennium Green open air meeting, at which it had been decided to prune some trees and take out the goalposts.
Cllr Marshall noted the need for more Trustees and the requirement to change the Trust document.
It was reported that the venues and acts for the comedy festival had been booked.
Cllr Adamson reported that the Thirsk Clock had received final notice which expired in September and that the alternative premises in Chapel Street had fallen through.
51.2 Members
Cllr Roberts reported on behalf of Cllr Morton that the area adjacent to the post box on St Marys Walk was still in need of cleaning.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported the pothole at the top of St Marys onto Stockton Road.
Cllr Marshall noted that Kirby Lonsdale in the Lake District ran the local market, and as a matter of interest suggested that the Town Council try and trace the Market Charter.
She proposed that the NYCC be requested to examine the provision of an appropriate highway crossing adjacent to Barclays Bank.
Cllr Jackson advised that the Museum Society had decided not to pursue registration of the museum in view of the complicated process and outcome.
Cllr Adamson reported that he had attended the opening of Alphacare which was a member of Disability Action Yorkshire and the unveiling of the Hannah Packer Plaque.
Resolved: a) that the existence of a market charter be examined
b) that NYCC be requested to examine the provision of an appropriate highway crossing adjacent to Barclays Bank.

The Meeting closed at 8.55pm.