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Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 5th November 2009 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Present:
Cllrs D. Adamson (Chair), C. Hesmondhalgh, A. Morton, C. Pack, A. Pagram, M. Penson, F. Roberts, J. Watson
Apologies:
Cllrs J. Jackson (abroad), J. Marshall (ill)
118. Minutes
Resolved:
a) that the minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on Monday 19 October 2009 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair subject to the inclusion of Cllr A. Morton and the deletion of Cllr C. Pack in the attendance list.
b) that the minutes of the Planning Committee held on 19 October 2009 be received subject to it being noted that the decision for 09/02232/FUL was ‘refused’ not ‘observations’.
119. Open Forum
Resolved: that standing orders be suspended
A member of the public questioned why coaches were allowed to park free in the HDC coach park.
Cllr Adamson advised that he would examine that matter and pass on his findings.
Resolved: that standing orders be reinstated
120. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 1 October 2009
120.1 Castle Garth
Residents advised of actions being taken
120.2 Street Litter Offences
A forum was to be set-up to examine all issues in relation to litter.
120.3 Items Raised re: Parking Meters
A reminder letter had been sent to HDC
120.4 Gratuity
The Clerk advised that a gratuity using the revised formula had been calculated and agreed with the former Clerk.
It was noted that the former Clerk had been most helpful and understanding and following further discussion it was
Resolved:
a) that the report be noted
b) that a letter of appreciation be sent to Mrs E. Coulson
121. Correspondence/Items Raised
121.1 White Mare Roundabout Sponsorship
The Clerk advised that the current year’s sponsorship had been received from Calvert’s Carpets, in relation to three-quarters, and Miller’s, in relation to a quarter.
Jill Miller had advised that they had sponsored the roundabout for three years and requested that a new sponsor be found for the forthcoming year.
Two businesses had previously expressed an interest in sponsorship of the roundabout.
The Clerk noted that a sponsorship opportunity may become available at the Sensory Garden at some future stage and it would be raised at the next working party meeting.
Resolved: that the quarter roundabout sponsorship be discussed with the business that first expressed an interest.
121.2 Tourist Information Centre
Councillor Penson advised of the background of the TIC and of her concerns regarding the new position in respect of brochures and leaflets.
She considered that everyone should be able to visit the TIC and get information on all of Britain.
Cllr Roberts noted that Ian Ashton the Vice Chair of Moors and Coast was to raise the matter at the next meeting of Moors and Coast.
Mention was made of networked TIC’s and information carried.
Following further discussion it was
Resolved: that the Chair of Moors and Coast be requested to advise on the information to be carried by the TIC.
121.3 Car Parking at Tesco Store
The Clerk referred to a report to the Development Management Committee of Hambleton District Council which recommended that the parking condition be modified to allow the restriction of free car parking for three hours.
Discussion took place with regard to the period applicable to the three hours.
Resolved: that the report be noted
121.4 Police Report
The Clerk read an email from Sgt Findlay in respect of ‘Not in my Neighbourhood’ Week from 2 to 6 November which advised of what would be happening locally.
121.5 NYCC Items.
The Clerk read an email from Cllr Dadd in respect of items raised.
The sign design team had been asked to investigate the directional signing around St James Green.
Cllr Morton noted that the issue concerned the dirty condition of the signs.
The tactile crossing on Westgate whilst cracked was not considered dangerous.
Notice had been served on the utility company responsible for the defects in the carriageway around Tesco’s.
Further investigation was required in respect of the junction of Newsham Road with Station Road and it had been added to the Traffic Management Priority List of schemes awaited.
122. Outstanding Amenity Items
No matters to report
123. Minutes/Reports from Committees/Working Parties.
123.1Carrs Field
Cllr Roberts referred to an email received from T. Jordan which referred to the insurance renewal, planned tree planting by the Woodland Group, maintenance work to be undertaken, a planting area plan and a litter pick as part of ‘not in my neighbourhood week’.
123.2 Central Areas
The Meeting received the Minutes of the Central Areas Committee held on 6 October 2009.
It was noted that NYCC had advised that the drains in Finkle Street were working correctly.
123.3 Christmas Festivities
Cllr Adamson advised that the Christmas tree was to be erected on Sunday 15 November with the lights being lit on 29 November at 4.00pm
123.4 Ditches
Cllr Morton reported that there were rats in the ditch that went under St Marys Walk.
Resolved: that HDC Environmental Health Department be advised.
123.5 Greens and Ingramgate
The minutes of a Meeting of the Greens Committee held on 13 October 2009 were circulated.
123.6 Millennium Green
No items to report.
123.7Office
The office heating was being examined by the staff.
123.8 Open Areas
The minutes of the meeting of the Open Areas Committee held on 13 October were circulated.
123.9 Sensory Garden
A meeting was to be held on Monday 9 November 2009.
124. Items of Information.
Cllr Penson advised that the proposed relocation of the post office would result in less room in the new premises, particularly for the staff.
It was noted that the formal consultation would be an agenda item for the next Town Council Meeting.
Resolved: that the Post Office be requested to supply plans and dimensions of the proposed facilities.
The meeting closed at 8.40pm
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 16th November 2009 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Present:
Cllrs:D. Adamson (Chair), C. Hesmondhalgh, A. Pagram, M. Penson, F. Roberts, J. Watson.
Apologies
Cllrs: J. Jackson (abroad), J. Marshall (appointment), A. Morton (engagement), C. Pack (appointment).
125. Minutes
It was noted that there had been no Meeting of the Planning Committee on 5 November.
Resolved: that the minutes of the meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on Thursday 5 November 2009 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
126. Police Report
The Clerk advised that he had talked to Sgt Findlay and the seat on Castle Garth had been discussed. A number of responses from residents at the Police Market Stall had suggested removal of the seat. It had been decided to review the matter following the removal of the obstruction to the CCTV camera.
Cllr Dadd advised that he had raised Police succession policy with the Chief Constable as he felt that human resources needed to look at the long term issue.
127. Reports on Matters pertaining to Thirsk
127.1 NYCC
The Marage footpath was to be closed on 23 November for resurfacing.
Cllr Dadd noted that he had no strong views either way on the road crossing points in Thirsk but that he had received 27 emails since the repair work began from people hoping that they were to be replaced.
127.2 HDC
Cllr Dadd noted that the District Council was to amend the Tesco car parking condition to allow 3 hours parking. For any other revision a planning application would have to be submitted.
An Area Forum was to be held on Thursday to discuss the markets and Market Traders were invited to attend.
The District Council was looking at providing free car parking in the run up to Christmas on the basis of 2 hours in the Market Place and three hours in the long stay car parks.
Cllr Adamson advised that the rules and regulations on Licensing were being reviewed including application requirements, licence conditions and the consultation element.
128. Matters arising from the Town Council Meeting held on 19 October 2009
128.1HDC Review of effects of car parking charges
The Senior Engineer HDC was to raise the matter.
128.2 Lambert Hospital Night Time Minor Injury Service
York and North Yorkshire Primary Care Trust to be contacted.
128.3 Car Parking at Tesco Store
HDC advised of Town Councils observations.
128.4 Raised Crossing Facilities
NYCC made aware of Town Councils concerns.
128.5 Replacement Sign on Station Road/A61
NYCC requested to make the Thirsk nameplate to the same size as the other nameplate with the lettering being centred and enlarged appropriately.
129. Finance:
129.1 Accounts for payment
Resolved: that the schedule of accounts for payment as at 16 November 2009 be approved.
129.2 Monthly balance sheet and budget report for October 2009
Resolved: That the monthly balance sheet and budget report for October 2009 be approved
130. Correspondence/Items Raised
130.1 Letter dated 20 October 2009 from NYCC re: Budget and Council Plan Consultation
The meeting considered the documents provided.
It was noted that in relation to the question on the level of tax increase the figures started at 2.0%.
Resolved: that NYCC be advised that the Town Council considers that the level of council tax increase should be set below 2%.
130.2 Letter dated 26 October 2009 from the Post Office re: Branch Relocation
The meeting was advised that a plan with dimensions had been requested but had not been received.
Cllr Penson advised that no backroom facilities were to be provided and that the Post Office would be located in one room.
Resolved: that the Post Office be advised that the Town Council considers that backroom facilities should be provided to enable certain functions to be undertaken away from the public area.
130.3 Letter dated 3 November 2009 re: Millgate/Marage car/coach parks
The letter referred to problems arising from overnight parking of Lorries and coach parking.
The matters had been raised with HDC some years ago and a reply had indicated that there would be increased monitoring.
Resolved: that the letter be referred to HDC and the Police for their attention and comments.
130.4 Letters dated November 2009 from North Yorkshire Police re: Neighbourhood Profile Guides
Members were requested to find local people who would be willing to volunteer to join a county wide team in compiling Neighbourhood Profile Guides.
131. Burial Board Report / Approval of applications for Memorials
Cllr Adamson circulated photographs of the vandalism damage that had occurred.
The Clerk advised that the Police were to undertake a follow up in this respect and had requested copies of the photographs.
132. Reports from Representatives/Members
Cllr Roberts noted that the Town Council had applied to take a colour printer from the TRI.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that the ETCA had two new members.
133. On-Going Items
133.1 HDC: Provision of bicycle stand area.
The Clerk reported receipt of a letter dated 13 November from HDC advising that they would be reluctant to reduce the number of parking bays in the Market Place, but would look at how the parking layout outside upstairs/downstairs could be improved.
A possible location for a bicycle rack was adjacent to the Nat West Bank which would result in four standard parking bays instead of the existing short bays.
Resolved:
a) that HDC be advised that the Town Council would welcome an additional bicycle stand area and would have no objection to the location.
b) that HDC be requested to consider the area adjacent to the parking meter to the rear of the bus shelter as an alternative location
133.2 Parking Meters
The Clerk reported receipt of a letter dated 13 November from HDC advising that planning permission had not been required and that consultations had been carried out.
Resolved: that the letter be noted.
The meeting closed at 8.50pm
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