Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 3rd September 2009 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Present:
Cllrs C. Hesmondhalgh (Chair), J. Jackson, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C. Pack,
M. Penson, F. Roberts, J. Watson.
Apologies: Cllrs D. Adamson (hospital)
85. Minutes
a) Resolved: that the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 17 August 2009 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
b) that the minutes of the planning committee held on 17 August 2009 be received.
86. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 6 August 2009
86.1 Castle Garth – Footpath/Trees
It was noted that the intended pruning of the trees had never taken place.
Cllr Watson advised that PC Brooks was initially involved in the matter but had since been on long term absence. She was to contact Duncan Pears to pursue the matter. The condition of the footpath was being pursued through NYCC.
86.2 Running Costs of Toilets
The Clerk circulated details of the running costs of the Thirsk and Northallerton toilets supplied by HDC.Cllr Jackson noted that repair and maintenance figures appeared twice for Northallerton, with one set being identical to Thirsk Millgate.
Resolved: that clarification and further information be obtained in respect of the running costs of the toilets.
86.3 Plasticrete Surfacing
The Town Councils solicitors were to be contacted for their views on the ongoing dispute.
86.4 Re-Location of Ducks – RSPCA/Natural England
RSPCA and Natural England were to be contacted.
86.5 Flower Tubs on Long Street – location plan
The location plan had been found and the siting of the tubs was to be examined.
86.6 Policing in Thirsk – Letter to Chief Constable
Letter regarding levels of policing, opening of police station and community police officers to be sent.
87. Correspondence/Items Raised
87.1Tree Assessment Survey
The Clerk advised that landowners had a duty of care to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of the trees on the land.
A tree inspection by an Aboriculturist would be required and the Clerk gave details of the survey and possible costs.
It was noted that the majority of the land the Town Council was responsible for was owned by John Bell and the Clerk advised that he would check the terms of the tenancy documents.
A previous survey had been carried out at the Holmes following which a management plan had been put in place.
Resolved:
a) That the Clerk examines the tenancy documents of land controlled by the Town Council
b) That quotations for a Tree Survey be obtained.
88. Outstanding Amenity Items
88.1 Footpaths/Footways Ingramgate
The current position was clarified.
The Clerk noted that the quotations originally received were substantially different and the contractors had also proposed various ways forward.
It was felt that a specification should be produced for the work and following further discussion it was
Resolved: that HDC be approached with regard to providing a specification for improving the footpaths/footways in Ingramgate.
88.2 Whitemare Roundabout
It was noted that the lavender had been cutback.
89. To receive Minutes/Reports from Committees/Working Parties:
89.1 Central Areas
The Meeting received the minutes of the Committee meeting held on 4 August 2009.
The re-turfing of the area in Mill Gardens was being pursued through the Environment Agency and problems in the Market Place had been referred to HDC.
89.2Christmas Festivities
It was noted that the Christmas tree required ordering with a view to it being sited following Remembrance Day and Jill Miller to be contacted to establish the switch-on date.
89.3 Open Areas
The Clerk advised that a safer grass tile had been removed at East Thirsk.
89.4 Sensory Garden
Cllr Marshall advised that the issues relating to the land transfer were still on-going.
The type of memorial stone was being examined and regular garden maintenance by
volunteers was being carried out.
90. To Receive Items of Information.
Cllr Marshall noted that the Environment Agency had agreed to keep the Town Council updated on the flood alleviation scheme and considered that it would be beneficial for a meeting to take place.
Cllr Penson was concerned about some of the proposals in the most recent plans.
Cllr Jackson noted the ongoing problems with the office heating and ventilation.
Cllr Marshall suggested that the Office Committee be added to the list of reporting committees.
Cllr Jackson advised of subsidence on the north side of Station Road.
Resolved:
a) that the Environment Agency be invited to a Town Council Meeting.
b) that the Office Committee be included in the list of reporting committees.
c) that NYCC be informed of the subsidence on Station Road.
The Meeting closed at 8.45pm
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 21st September 2009 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Present:
Cllrs. C. Hesmondhalgh (Chair), J. Jackson, J. Marshall, C. Pack,
M. Penson, F. Roberts, A. Robinson.
Apologies
Cllrs. D. Adamson (hospital)A. Morton (holiday), J. Watson (holiday)
91. Minutes
Resolved:
a) that the minutes of the meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on 21 September2009 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the chair subject to the addition of ‘and therefore misleading’ in Minute no.86.2 after Thirsk Millgate.
b) that the minutes of the planning committee held on 21 September 2009 be received.
92. Police Report
No representatives of the Police were present.
Cllr Marshall advised that the seat near to the Calvert Carpet building in Castle Garth had been vandalised. She noted that the damage had been quite substantial and must have taken some time to do which raised the question that somebody may have seen it occurring.
The Clerk advised that Duncan Pears had identified which trees needed to be pruned with regard to the CCTV coverage.
Cllr Robinson advised that the Police needed to look at the Hostel in Westgate which was generating various complaints.
93. Reports on Matters pertaining to Thirsk.
93.1 North Yorkshire County Council
Cllr Dadd reported on the meeting of the South Tees NHS Trust in respect of the Friarage Hospital and advised of a pledge to improve communications and that services were to be re-introduced on 26 October.
The NHS was to hold an informal consultation meeting on 29 September in respect of the night time minor injury service at the Lambert Hospital.
Cllr Dadd advised that the NYCC would have to be more efficient and would need to review services in view of the financial outlook.
Tenders were being obtained for the re-surfacing of the Marage footpath, from Northallerton Road.
The problems regarding parking at the East Thirsk Community Hall had not been resolved and a meeting between all interested parties was to be held.
93.2 Hambleton District Council
Geoff Lodge was looking into problem solving groups for East Thirsk and Castle Garth and he was to meet with the District Commander and Sergeant of the Neighbourhood Police Team .Cllr Marshall noted the work carried out by the Town Council in relation to Castle Garth and questioned what was happening in relation to East Thirsk.
HDC was examining the sale of its commercial waste operation.
Cllr Robinson provided copies of a Members Bulletin which gave details of the shared services with Richmondshire. He noted that a new Assistant Chief Executive had been appointed, creating a new post.
Hambleton Sports Council was to be disbanded.
HDC was to examine issues with car parking charges in relation to carers and volunteers.
94. Matters Arising from the Town Council Meeting held on 17 August.
94.1 Variation of premises licence – The Royal
The meeting was advised that Environmental Health had withdrawn the items raised and therefore the premises licence had been approved without it being referred to the Licensing Committee.
94.2 CCA and CAB Donations.
The Clerk advised that cheques were ready for signing.
94.3 NYCC Local Transport Plan Survey/Parish & Town Council Survey
The Clerk advised that the surveys had to be submitted by 30 September.
94.4 Swine Flu – Collection Points
Letter to be sent to the Primary Care Trust.
94.5 Provision of bicycle stand area.
The Clerk had reminded C. Thornton.
Cllr Robinson noted that the area to the rear of the bus shelter was not owned by the District Council and he considered that it would be an ideal location for a bicycle stand.
95. Finance:
95.1 Accounts for payment
Resolved: that the schedule of accounts for payment as at 21 September 2009 be approved. (see attached schedule)
95.2 Monthly balance sheet and budget report for July 2009
Resolved:
That the monthly balance sheet and budget report for August 2009 be approved
96. Correspondence/Items Raised
96.1 Letter dated 18 August 2009 from HDC re: Gambling Act2005
Letter advising that a draft statement in respect of licensing policy was available for inspection at various locations.
96.2 Letter dated 9 September 2009 from HDC re: Off-Street Parking Places Order 2009
Letter advising that the order would come into operation on the 12 October 2009.
96.3 Email dated 15 September 2009 from P. Cole re: Choice Based Lettings Consultation
Advising of a consultation event between 4.30pm and 7pm on 23 September.
Cllr Roberts confirmed she would be attending.
96.4 Email dated 15 September 2009 from P. Cole re: Neighbourhood and Country Watch Scheme.
Advising of a meeting on 28 September to revitalise the schemes and improve joint working practises.
96.5 Letter dated 1 September 2009 from Thirsk 8 Park Committee re: Donation
Letter advising of the progress made and finances raised and required.
The meeting discussed the facilities that were to be provided.
Resolved:
a) that the sum of £5000 be placed in the precept for the financial year 2010/11
b) that the Thirsk 8 Committee be congratulated on their achievements.
96.6 Letter dated 15 September 2009 from Thirsk and Sowerby Flatts Preservation Trust re: Changing Facility
Letter advising of a financial shortfall to complete the changing facility and requesting both Thirsk Town and Sowerby Parish Council to consider a financial contribution.
Cllr Jackson detailed the work, time and effort that been undertaken in respect of the project and advised that the Trust had been unable to reclaim the VAT.
Cllr Marshall agreed for the ½ seven acre budget to be utilised for any contribution.
Resolved:
a) that a contribution of £3500 be made to the Changing Facility project
b) that the contribution be taken from the 1/2 seven acre budget.
96.7 Email dated 18 September from Richmondshire DC re: Temporary Road Closure.
Road closure for 8 November for Remembrance Day parade and 11 November for two minutes silence in the Market Place.
97. Burial Board Report / Approval of applications for Memorials
The Clerk advised that there had been some vandalism to memorials with eight stone crosses being pushed over, several of them breaking.
The Clerk had advised the Police noting that apart from the obvious distress such action caused the people involved could seriously injure themselves.
98. Pay Settlement 2009
The Clerk reported the pay settlement with an increase of 1.25% on SCPs 4 to 10 inclusive and 1.00% on SCPs 11to 49 inclusive, effective from 1 April 2009.
Resolved: that the report be noted.
99. Reports from Representatives/Members
99.1 Representatives
Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that the AGM of the East Thirsk Community Centre Trust was 21 October at 7.30pm
99.2 Members.
Cllr Robinson noted that the Council could be responsible for the on-going maintenance of alleyways.
Cllr Marshall noted that the Clock was not lit on an evening. Cllr Robinson advised that the bulbs would require replacing.
Cllr Marshall advised that the finger post adjacent to the Millgate car park had been removed by HDC during work being carried out to install a parking meter.
HDC had confirmed that the post would be re-sited.
Cllr Jackson noted that a sign was required in Gillings Court to indicate the location of the museum.
Cllr Marshall reported that on inspecting the plans for the flood alleviation scheme it was evident that work was planned where the new railings had been sited alongside the beck at the Sensory Garden.
100. On-Going Items
Cllr Penson questioned the progress in relation to the provision of Councillors photographs on the notice board.
It was agreed that this be deferred until Cllr Adamson was available.
The Meeting closed at 9.40pm