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Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 2nd July 2009 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Present:
Cllrs D. Adamson (Chair), C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, C. Pack,
A. Pagram, M. Penson, F. Roberts, J. Watson
Apologies:
Cllrs A. Morton (prior engagement)
52. Open Forum (15 mins)
No Members of the public were present.
53. Minutes
Resolved: that the minutes of the Meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on Monday 15
June be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair subject to the amendment of minute no 51.2 to read:-
‘Provision of a zebra crossing adjacent to Barclays Bank’; and ‘decided not to pursue accreditation of the museum in view of the complicated process which meant that it was an inappropriate system for small volunteer led museums’.
54. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 4 June 2009
54.1 Plasticrete on Little Green
The Clerk advised that a letter had been sent to HDC. Cllr Adamson referred to a report to the District councils Standards Committee on review of complaints, which included the issue concerning the plasticrete and which advised that the complaint had not been upheld.
Resolved: that a further letter be sent to HDC requesting full details of the complaint outcome and comments given.
54.2 Relocating Ducks
The Clerk reported that he had contacted Gordon Buckley who was very knowledgeable on the subject and who was willing to assist.
Cllr Marshall suggested that he be invited to discuss the matter with the Town Council.
Resolved: that Gordon Buckley be invited to discuss the relocation of ducks with the Town Council.
54.3 Archway – National Westminster Bank.
The Clerk advised that the Engrossment Licence had been received.
The Town Councils Solicitors had examined the document and had confirmed that it was acceptable.
Resolved: that the Engrossment Licence be duly signed for and on behalf of the Town Council.
54.4 Watering of White Mare Roundabout.
The Clerk reported that the application form for the standpipe had been received and that R.Dickinson was available to undertake the watering.
54.5 East Thirsk Play Area
The Quotation had been formally accepted.
54.5 Toilets
HDC requested to provide details of attendant supervised toilets. Cllr Adamson noted that the HDC report on complaints had also included the state of the toilets and lack of cleaning and it had been accepted that there were problems.
55. Correspondence/Items Raised
55.1 Proposed Zebra Crossing – Topcliffe Road
Letter dated 16 June 2009 from NYCC advising of a scheme to install a zebra crossing on Topcliffe Road in the vicinity of Sowerby Road Junction.
Resolved: that NYCC be advised that the Town Council supports the scheme.
55.2 Membership of the Historic Towns Forum
Letter dated 23 June 2009 from Historic Towns Forum advising that membership was now open to parish councils.
55.3 Nursery Garden – Section 106 Agreement
Letter dated 23 June 2009 from HDC enclosing re-drafted Land Registry Transfer document.
Resolved: that Cllrs Adamson and Hesmondhalgh be authorised to sign the Land Registry Transfer document.
55.4 Visit by French Teacher and children.
The Clerk advised that the Town Council had been approached by a Teacher from France who was going to work at Queen Marys School at Topcliffe for the summer camp.
She was interested in organising an event in Thirsk with the French children.
Members felt that it would be best dealt with through the school, particularly in respect of safety and insurance requirements.
56. Access Road at Thirsk Industrial Estate
The Meeting considered problems associated with vehicular access and parking and the requirement for more notice boards.
It was noted that FC Todd and Sons had submitted a planning application to NYCC to increase its operations.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh noted that one notice board had been provided but there were still A boards on the Estate and further notice boards were required.
Following further discussion it was
Resolved: that further consideration be given following the outcome of the planning application.
57. Outstanding Amenity Items
57.1 Millennium Green and Dowber Way Ditch
The Clerk advised that the resident who had raised the issue of the ditch to the rear of his property in Darrowby Close had established that it was in the ownership of the original property developers.
The ditch went under St Marys walk and Cllr Morton was concerned that it may be blocked under the roadway due to the backup of water in wet weather conditions.
Resolved: that NYCC be advised of the concerns regarding the ditch where it runs under St Marys Walk
57.2 St James Green
Cllr Marshall advised that the Greens Committee were to examine the update of the Bylaws in conjunction with the Clerk.
58. To receive Minutes/Reports from Committees/Working Parties:
58.1 Central Areas
The Minutes of the Committee held on 9 June 2009 were circulated.
Cllr Marshall noted that the Rotary Club were to undertake repair and renovation work to the benches and tables in the Picnic Area and questioned whether these items were included in the seating maintenance contract.
Cllr Penson advised that there had been a meeting with C.Amy to discuss the work undertaken and required in Mill Gardens, and Mike I’ Anson had been approached with regard to specifications. The matter would be discussed at the next Meeting of the Committee.
Cllr Watson advised that there was to be no prosecution in respect of the damage to the bus shelter due to insufficient evidence.
Resolved: a) that the Minutes be received and noted
b) that the seating maintenance contract be checked.
58.2 Greens and Ingramgate
Cllr Marshall advised that bird mouth fencing had been erected at St James Green, but the completion of the fencing on the north side was still awaited.
58.3 Millennium Green
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that everything was in order.
58.4 Open Areas
Cllr Marshall advised that a grant claim had been submitted to HDC to cover the financial difference on the East Thirsk Play Area contract as previously reported.
A walk around had taken place and a list of items had been submitted to the office.
It had been noted that litter bins were full and in need of emptying and HDC had been informed.
A project plan had been prepared for the East Thirsk Play Area which would be closed to allow removal of the old equipment and redevelopment of the area.
It was hoped that the School Council would be able to comeback for the official opening.
58.5 Sensory Garden
Cllr Marshall noted that there was no funding available for further works at the present time and various funding allocations were being examined.
58.6 Ditches
A meeting was to be timetabled.
59. Items of Information
Cllr Watson noted that there were plants growing in the grids in Bakers Alley and adjacent to the hairdressers in Finkle Street.
Cllr Marshall reported that the Plinths in Long Street had not been planted and she considered that these were an important welcome to Thirsk.
Cllr Roberts noted the difficulties in watering.
Cllr Pack confirmed that she would arrange for the planting-up and maintenance through Thirsk in Bloom.
Cllr Marshall advised of an article in the January edition of Rural Arts about the Thirsk Interpretation Board trail.
Cllr Marshall was concerned that the article was factually inaccurate and considered that the Town council should have been consulted prior to its publication.
Resolved: that Rural Arts be advised of the inaccuracies and be requested to consult appropriate parties in respect of future articles.
Cllr Penson reported that the Environment agency had undertaken drilling works in the middle of Mill Gardens leaving a large area requiring reinstatement.
Cllr Pagram advised that dog dirt on the cobbles near to Timsons appeared to have been sprayed with yellow paint.
Cllr Jackson advised that he had attended the Environment Agency Drop-In Meeting regarding the flood alleviation scheme which had shown the options available.
He had advised the representatives of the availability of EU finance and had questioned whether the scheme could be upgraded if additional finance was provided, which was theoretically possible.
Resolved: that the Environment Agency be requested to examine EU finance available in respect of the Flood Alleviation Scheme
Cllr Watson noted the short length of cycle track adjacent to Lidl and questioned the need for it.
The Meeting closed at 9.35pm
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 20th July 2009 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Present:
Cllrs D. Adamson (Chair), C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, A. Morton, M. Penson, F. Roberts, A. Robinson, J. Watson
Apologies:
Cllrs C. Pack (unwell), A. Pagram (family illness)
60. Minutes.
Resolved: that the Minutes of the Meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on 2 July 2009 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the chair subject to the amendment of Apologies to read Cllr.
61. Police Report
No representatives were present.
62. Reports on Matters Relating to Thirsk
62.1 NYCC
Cllr Dadd advised that John Savage was Chairman and Caroline Seymour was Vice-chair of NYCC.
He noted that he was again the Chair of the Scrutiny of Health Committee with John Blackie as Vice-chairman.
There was some concern in East Thirsk with regard to the planning application submitted by Todd’s and Cllr Dadd was going to request a site visit.
Cllr Dadd advised of the suspension of paediatric services at the Friarage and noted that the service was to be transferred to the James Cook hospital.
The resumption date for the service was 26 October 2009.
Cllr Marshall noted that promises had been made that services would continue in Northallerton.
The parking issue in East Thirsk had raised a number of complaints from residents and the Police had been asked to pay attention to it.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that the Community Centre had contacted the Children’s Centre and had now established a good working relationship.
The Highways department were to look at the drainage problem in Finkle Street.
Cllr Jackson questioned whether any further information in respect of the replacement of the Secondary School had been obtained.
Cllr Dadd advised that Thirsk School was in package 10 of the BSF programme and this would be one of the last projects to enter the programme.
The prioritisation criteria for BSF took account of deprivation, attainment, capacity, and building need.
Cllr Jackson noted that the school had been built at a time of economic austerity and he was concerned for the long term life of the building. He considered that the replacement school should still be pushed for.
Cllr Marshall questioned the position in relation to replacement elderly person’s facilities and Cllr Dadd advised that negotiations were still proceeding to secure the site.
62.2 HDC
The meeting was advised that the CCTV for Mill Gardens was not yet installed due to an equipment problem.
The Council was pursuing enforcement in respect of the garage on Long Street.
Cllr Roberts referred to notices in relation to a variation of the premises licence for the Royal.
Resolved: that Hambleton District Council be advised that Thirsk Town Council request that the application for variation of the premises licence at the Royal Hotel receive careful and appropriate consideration.
63. Open Forum
Resolved: that standing orders be suspended.
Mrs M. Corpson advised the meeting of matters surrounding the death of her husband due to an aneurysm, from the request for an ambulance, when he had been taken to the Friarage and then transferred to James Cook.
She was concerned about the medical facilities available for residents of Thirsk.
Members expressed concern in respect of the issues raised.
Cllr Marshall noted that the Council could not become directly involved in the specific issues but could ask the NYCC Scrutiny of Health Committee general questions in relation to health issues.
Resolved:
a) that standing orders be reinstated
b) that the NYCC Scrutiny of Health Committee be requested to examine service provision, recording of calls and subsequent storage.
64 Matters arising from the Thirsk Town Council Meeting held on 15 June 2009
64/1 HDC Finance available for Play Schemes
The Clerk advised that NYCC had been allocated 1.1 million pounds through the Playbuilder scheme, and through the District Council schemes at Easingwold and Stokesley had been approved in the first year. Schemes could be submitted for the second year based on natural play for 8 to 13 year olds.
64/2 Presentation in respect of Shop Local
The Clerk advised that Cath Grimsey would be available to attend the Town Council Meeting on 17 August 2009
64/3 Annual Return for year ended 31 March 2009
The Meeting was advised that the internal audit had been completed and the annual return signed.
64/4 Allotments
The Clerk advised that HDC had been trying to let the land, between South Dowber Lane and the A19, to voluntary and charitable groups.
M. I’Anson‘s woodland group had planted trees along the border of the land to create a natural barrier.
The Clerk advised that he had not yet visited the area to establish its suitability and had not confirmed its allocation in planning terms.
Cllr Robinson advised that the area was well used for dog walking and the provision of allotments would be opposed by residents.
Cllr Marshall advised that the Town Council were merely exploring the use of the land.
64/5 Market Charter
Cllr Roberts noted that Eric Thompson’s book of Thirsk advised of the failed attempts to locate a Market Charter.
65. Finance
65/1 Accounts for Payment
Resolved: that the schedule of accounts for payment as at 20 July 2009 be approved subject to clarification of the payment to Thirsk Garden Centre.
65/2 Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for May 2009
Cllr Hesmondhalgh noted that the budget figure for the millennium green was not correct.
Resolved:
a) that the balance sheet for June 2009 be received
b) that the budget report for June be received and that the budget figures be checked
66. Correspondence/Items Raised
66/1 Letter dated 23 June 2009 from Mrs H. Fowler re: Allotments
Letter requesting provision of an allotment.
66/2 Letter dated 6 July 2009 from HDC re: Street Naming and Numbering
Letter regarding naming of Lidl store.
66/3 Letter dated 7 July 2009 from HDC re: Pay and Display machine locations.
Letter advising that 8 machines had been proposed for the Market Place.
Members considered that that the number was excessive and following discussion it was
Resolved:
a) that Hambleton D.C. be advised that the Town Council consider that eight machines would be too many for the Market Place and suggest that the two machines to be sited on the pavement, which could cause obstruction, and the one machine near to the road be deleted.
b) that it be questioned whether planning permission will be required for installing the machines in the conservation area and if English heritage have been consulted.
67. Burial Board Report/Approval of Applications for Memorials
Cllr Adamson advised that the new grasscutting contractors were doing a good job in the cemetery and he had not received any complaints in respect of the work carried out in this sensitive area.
Resolved:
a) that the report be noted
b) that the memorial applications from Dales of Thirsk in respect of Wigmore, Smith, Cook and Bell be approved subject to the six month rule being applied.
68. Reports from Representatives/Members
Cllr Hesmondhalgh noted that she had attended the Forces Day concert which had been a wonderful event.
Cllr Morton advised that the Swimming Baths Trust intended to put up notices regarding the useage of the car park in anticipation of the introduction of car parking charges.
Cllr Adamson had presented trophies at the inter-school swimming gala and he had been amazed at the enthusiasm of the children. He had also opened the new Lidl supermarket on the 23rd of July.
Cllr Watson advised that NYCC was undertaking a Local Transport Plan Survey.
Cllr Robinson considered that the comedy festival had not been well advertised, and noted that three events in the Town Hall had been cancelled.
Cllr Marshall advised that the cinema contribution to the festival had been well attended.
The Meeting closed at 9.10pm
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