117-2007/08

 

MINUTES OF MEETING OF EASINGWOLD TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT THE GALTRES CENTRE EASINGWOLD AT 7.30 P.M. ON TUESDAY

19 FEBRUARY 2008

 

 

PRESENT      Councillors John Tanner-Smith (Chairman), W.B. Taylor, G.W. Ellis,  Revd. J. Harrison, N. Madden, F.M. Readman, D.E. Gallon and County Councillor P.G. Sowray

 

07/207

It was AGREED that apologies from Cllr. S.A. Shepherd, should be accepted.

Cllr Ellis declared that, as a member of Hambleton District Council, he would reconsider any matters at the district level taking into account all relevant evidence and representations at the district tier.

 

07/208

It was AGREED to adjourn the meeting for up to 15 minutes to take questions through the Chairman from members of the public.

 

Mr Andrew Nelson spoke on behalf of the residents of Nineveh Cottages concerning their flooding problem. The residents think that the flooding results from the Persimmons Estate. The emergency ditch dug in Mr Spinks’ field by Kyle & Ouse Drainage Board appears to have solved the problem; however, the owner of the field wants a pipe put in rather than the open drain. Councillors thought that a ditch was more effective than a pipe.

 

In the light of these discussions the Chairman decided to close the open session at this point and bring forward Item 8 on the agenda. 

 

 

07/209

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

07/210

FLOODING OF NINEVEH COTTAGES

209.1      Councillor Ellis discussed the matter with Kyle & Ouse Drainage Board and they had given him the details of the work and materials required to resolve the problem. The Drainage Board has agreed to carry out the work free of charge but that the cost of materials would have to be found. Cllr. Ellis also spoke with Clive Thornton, Dave Mc Gloin and Martyn Richards at Hambleton District Council; he pointed out that, though the Town Council is under no legal obligation to fund such work, it should, as one of the four interested parties along with NYCC Highways, Hambleton District Council and the Residents; consider how they could resolve the problem. 

 

209.2   It was AGREED that the Clerk would write to Kyle & Ouse Drainage Board to obtain a price for the materials needed. Also the Clerk is to write to Clive Thornton and David Mc Gloin at Hambleton District Council explaining the proposal and asking for their views and financial support. The council asked that the Clerk keeps the landowners of the adjacent fields; Miss Anne McIntosh LLB MP  and Nigel Smith, NYCC Highways informed of progress. Cllr. Ellis agreed to speak with the other landowner informally before any letters went out.

 

MINUTES

It was AGREED that the minutes of meeting dated 15 January 2008 (already circulated) should be approved for signature

 

07/211

MATTERS ARISING AND CLERK’S PROGRESS REPORT (already circulated)

211.1      Galtres Centre Sports Hall and Arts Centre Project – Cllrs. J. Tanner-Smith,  Neil Madden and Revd. John Harrison will be attending.

211.2      Forest of Galtres Society Gates – action from Town Centre Committee Clerk to contact Snowballs and discuss the timescale for carrying out the work. However, Chris Jackson has contacted the Clerk’s office to say that he is sending in a quote. The Clerk would consider the quotes once Mr Jackson’s had been received. Due to the urgency of the work the Clerk would wait until the end of the week to receive it.

 

211.3      Electricity Box in Market Place – contractor has confirmed that the new box will be fitted by 14.03.08

 

211.4      ALPHA – inputting of data – this is now a high priority in the Clerk’s office and will be completed before the next council meeting in March.

 

211.5      Yellow lines at Buttercross – Cllr. Sowray misunderstood feedback from last month’s meeting and thought the work had been carried out. Will follow up with Nigel Smith as he undertook at TCM 18.12.08.

 

211.6      Persimmon Car Park, Thirsk Road – Cllr. Sowray confirmed that he has spoken with Paul Roberts, NYCC Highways. The developer has approved the outstanding work on the car park, which has now been completed. Cllr. Sowray had also received an email again from Mr Roberts confirming that the car park is not to be adopted or maintained by the County Council.

 

a

Responses/Letters Sent

 

Skate Park annual preventative maintenance contract 07/163- New contract negotiated and quote approved (08/203). New contract starts 1.2.08 for one year; 2 inspections-1.4.2.08 & 1 in Aug 08

Forest of Galtres Society 07/170.2; request for remedial work to cobbles to assist hanging of Galtres gates. Clerk written to contractors to obtain quotes and has advised Mrs Kirk of the Society that proposal is being considered. Quotations for consideration at TCC 18/2/08. See Matters Arising above 211.2.

Galtres CMC 07/181.5- advised the donation has been agreed and will be paid in FY 08/09

Code of Conduct – Declarations of Interest amendments forms for Cllrs to complete – completed and returned to HDC

Easingwold playgroup cake stall on Butter Cross on 1/3/08 – permission advised

Leonard Cheshire @ Alne cake stall on Butter Cross on 22/3/08 – permission advised

Frank Johnston-Banks          

Stillington Road/Long Street Junction - Project Proposal 07/192.3

Clerk written to Frank Johnson-Banks suggesting he seeks sponsorship for low growing planting that does not reduce visibility for vehicles turning at the junction.

Mrs R Fairbairn         

May Day Event - McMillan Nurses 07/192.4

Clerk written to Mrs Fairburn restating, as in previous years, that the event must be held for the benefit of charities local to the town.

John.Carson@northyorksfire.gov.uk           

CFS & Recruitment 07/192.5

Clerk written back to confirm arrangements

Darling Design           

Sponsorship of roundabout 07/192.7

Cllr. Ellis advised he was not part of previous sponsorship discussions, as advised at 07/192.7. Clerk in discussions with NYCC re procedures for the request to sponsor the roundabout. Awaiting detailed request from Darling Design (on behalf of Jaipur Spice).

Royal Air Force Public Presentations 07/192.8

Clerk written to invite the RAF to the Town Council Meeting, Public Open

Session, on a date convenient to them, however, only 15 minutes could be allowed for the presentation.

BT Openreach            07/192.10

Application for wayleave Dovecote Development; the clerk is still investigating with Highways regarding ownership.

Bill Cleghorn Bandroom vandalism 07/192.11

Clerk written to Mr Cleghorn acknowledging his letter and pointing out that the low wall needs to be demolished or rebuilt, but as the wall is not the council’s property it can only refer him to the owner and/or the police to take action.

John Shorthouse Stillington Rd/Crayke turn hazard 07/192.12

Clerk written to Mr Shorthouse & NYCC, re-directing his concerns to the Highways department who have the authority to install such signage

Electricity box in market place

Instructed the contractor (HDC) to proceed with the work on 22/1/08 See Matters Arising above 211.3.

Footpath between Chapel St & Crabmill Lane/Croft Close (07/196)

Wrote to Mike Crosthwaite suggesting that he should bring the matter to the attention of Christine Fields, Hambleton Community Safety Partnership. Emailed Christine Fields also

 

Market Stalls Letting Contract Review (07/198)

Review of contracts completed 4.2.08 and issued; new contracts would be signed by the market traders by the end of this financial year. There would be no increase in the rents for the new financial year 2008/09

North Yorkshire Pension Fund (NYPF) (07/199)

Option 1 of the proposal; to pay the new rate of 21.9% for three years from 1st April 2008 notified by Clerk. Note that majority of members voted for phased increase therefore this will be implemented in April 2008

Woodland Trust

Clerk wrote to them on 22/1/08 for their Purchase Order MSF593 for ditching on Millfields £425

Damage to Market Green (07/191.1)

Clerk wrote to SRCL Ltd to cover costs of damage

(cone off, rotavate & re-turf). Clerk estimated costs @ £400. Zurich Insurance has responded admitting liability on behalf of SRCL Ltd. Clerk to provide detailed estimate to Zurich

Age limits or time restrictions for use of Memorial Park (REC 1.7)

Clerk emailed the Police Community Support Officer regarding setting a summer closing time and appropriate wording for signage in the park. Councillors suggested 10pm as an appropriate summer closing time, however, queried if the park would be policed at this time.

Holiday & Absence Policy (F&GP It 10b) 291007)

Current working document to be presented at next F&GP on 4/3/08. Emailed to Cllrs Tanner-Smith and Taylor 5/2/08

New Easingwold Signs (07/191.3)

Clerk wrote ‘Thank You’ to Chamber of Trade, Chris Dent

 

b

Flooding (Items 98.1; 98.2)

Written to residents of Nineveh Cottages suggesting that they approach Kyle & Ouse Drainage Authority to carry out the work. See Agenda Item 8

 

c

Yellow lines at Buttercross ((Item 07/96j)

Contacted Highways to progress work. Awaiting response. NYCC advise should be done in November 07. Awaiting response from S Pimperton(14.12.07)

9.1.08 Richard Jackson of NYCC advised work would not be done as not their responsibility. Update required from County Cllr P Sowray as he undertook at TCM 18.12.07 to take up with Nigel Smith See Matters Arising above 211.5.

f

Funding for Memorial Park refurbishment project (Item 07/108.1.4)

07/182 Cllr Shepherd held public meeting. See Recreation Committee minutes 14/1/08

g

Breathing Spaces application: Millfields Wetland

Application received by Big Lottery Fund; they requested an original bank statement and audited accounts at 31/3/07. Awaiting decision which is expected May 2008

h

Persimmon Car Park, Thirsk Road (07/194)

Cllr. Sowray stated that the car park does not meet with NYCC standards for the mix of car and pedestrian traffic; he has written to Nigel Smith concerning this and the matter of ownership and is awaiting his reply. However, ‘One-Way’ signage has gone up at the entrance to the car park to reduce the confusion of cars entering and exiting from the same entrance. Cllr. Sowray to continue follow up. See Matters Arising above 211.6.

 

i

C.O.Z.I.E /TIC BUILDING (07/195)

Due to the shared nature of the lease on the building (⅓ HDC; ⅔ Galtres Centre/ETC), the Clerk wrote to Hambleton District Council to ask for assistance with the repair of the roof. The remaining ⅔ will be raised through local sources. Clerk wrote to HDC Legal 29.1.08. After debate this letter has now been forwarded to Mr David McGloin, Head of Regeneration @ HDC. Response awaited

 

j

Police Surgeries (07/197)

It was AGREED that councillors should take part in the partnership events but asked the clerk to write to Sgt. Stephenson for more information on the nature of the councillors’ involvement. Done 29.1.08; awaiting response

 

k

COUNCIL DINNER 2008(07/200)

Councillors expressed a wish to hold the 2008 dinner in a local venue to Easingwold on Friday 18th April 2008. Clerk met with Mr Riley of The George Inn, Market Place; menus and tariff have been provisionally agreed and the date confirmed. Attendance list under review

 

l

ALPHA – inputting

April – end Oct 07 completed. See Matters Arising above 211.4.

 

07/212

CORRESPONDENCE

Items of correspondence noted are listed at the end of these minutes.

 

CORRESPONDENCE FOR DECISION

 

212.1   CE & CM Walker – Grasscutting quotation for 2008/09

 It was AGREED to accept quote for three year contract.

 

212.2     District/Parish  Liaison Meeting – Monday 3 March 2008

 Noted. Town Clerk will attend. Cllr. Ellis confirmed that he will be attending.

 

 

212.3   Annual Summer Fair – Saturday 5 July 2008

It was AGREED to loan the market stalls for use at the event.

 

212.4   Litter at the Skate Park – Mrs L Malton

It was AGREED that the Clerk will write to Mike Crosthwaite, PCSO asking if

someone could visit at the weekend when the littering is taking place.

 

212.5   Flooding of the Snicket, Long Street

It was AGREED that the Clerk will write back to the School Council pointing out to

them that the responsibility lies with NYCC Highways and giving them details of

who they should contact. The council would like to thank them, however, for

bringing the matter to its attention. Cllr. Sowray was also contacted and spoke with

Sarah Hutchinson, Area Communication & Customer Care Officer. The inspector did

not feel that the footpath was in bad repair but will provide Cllr. Sowray with an

update once the PROW team have looked at it. Cllr. Sowray agreed to stress to

Highways that the complaint related to unevenness of the path which was causing

the pathway to flood.

 

212.6   Galtres Fun Runs - Saturday 28 June 2008  

It was AGREED that the fun runs could take place and that the banner advertising the

event could be hung from the Buttercross.

 

212.7   Burial Ground

Noted. Councillors asked the clerk to place it on the next F&GP agenda. Report back

and further discussions to be added to the confidential agenda for the next Town

Council meeting. 

 

212.8   Royal Air Force         

Public Presentations

It was AGREED  that the Clerk would write back to the RAF advising that the talk

would have to be done without a screen as there is such little time allowed in open

session. No refreshments would be required. Council has yet to agree a suitable date.

 

07/213

MWDF CORE STATEGY SUBMISSION

It was AGREED that the Clerk would make a return stating that the council has no objections.

 

07/214

OCTOBER 2008 COUNCIL MEETING (& PLANNING & RECREATION COMMITTEES)

It was AGREED that the meetings should go ahead on the dates agreed and that another councillor would chair the meetings in the absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman.

 

07/215

FLOODING AT NINEVEH COTTAGES

This item was moved to the public open session so that residents could listen to the debate. (see 07/209 above)

 

07/216

BLACKSMITH’S COTTAGE – DISABLED ACCESS

David Bunch, Building Control Officer, emailed to say that he had not heard anything from the developer but would follow up with him when he returns from holiday.

 

07/217

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY MEETING & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Councillors defined the contents and timing of the meetings as follows:

 ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY – it takes place in April and is an opportunity for

 residents to comment on issues relating to the town; also it is the forum for the

 chairman to present the Annual Report to the town. It is normal to have a speaker at

 the Annual Parish Meeting and suggestions, for this year, were:

John Proud, Street Scene Manager, HDC – ‘Litter in the Town’

Gary Brown, HDC Operational Services – ‘New Inn Lane Recycling Problems’

It is usually followed by the Town Council Meeting; however, it does not have to follow the assembly and can be held at another time.

 

ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING – it takes place in May and the first item on the Agenda is ‘to elect a new Chairman’. The meeting should be chaired by the Town Clerk before the new chairman is elected. The meeting is then followed by the usual Town Council Meeting which is chaired by the newly elected Chairman.

POST MEETING NOTE: The Clerk should never chair the meeting. The present Chairman is in the chair until a new Chairman is elected. The Chairman asks for nominations for new Chairman for the forthcoming year regardless of whether he/she is standing for Chairman or not.

 

07/218

SLCC TRAINING DAYS 2008

It was AGREED that the Clerk will attend the two training days on Tuesday 11 March 2008 and Saturday 15 November 2008.

It was AGREED that the Assistant Clerk will attend the WWYC Training Day on 6 March 2008 in Tadcaster.

It was AGREED that due to the substantial rise in the registration fee for CiLCA both the Clerk and Assistant Clerk should register before the increase takes place. The Clerks will then have until 2010 to attain their qualification.

 

07/219

EASINGWOLD LITTER BINS

It was AGREED to accept John Proud’s offer to review all the town’s litter bins and to deploy the new bins in the town. Councillors asked the town clerk to email them with the dates.

 

07/220

REPLACEMENT BARK FOR MEMORIAL PARK

It was AGREED that the clerk will purchase play bark for the Memorial Park.

 

07/221

EMERGENCY REPAIRS AND MINOR ITEMS

The clerk informed the meeting that Andrew Nelson had been instructed under emergency powers to repair the damaged laths on the skate park fencing.

 

07/222

COMMITTEE REPORTS

222.1      Councillor Gallon reported that all the issues from the Town Centre committee

            had been addressed in the Clerk’s Report.

222.2      Councillor Readman reported that United Charities has made donations of

            £200 to each of seven local charities. Cllr. Readman said she has a list of the

            Beneficiaries should anyone wish to see it. Cllr. Readman said that the

            Chairman, Tony Beckwith comes to the end of his four year term in May;

            however, he is willing to stand again if the Council is happy to nominate him.

222.3      It was AGREED to consider the nomination of Tony Beckwith for a further term as Chairman at the next meeting.

 

07/223

FINANCE MATTERS

223.1 Income from previous month was NOTED.

223.2 It was AGREED that the following accounts should be approved for payment:

Accounts for payment at Council meeting February  2008

 

Payment

JH & M Hutchinson

various maintenance items

112.63

ETC

xmas light bulbs & mkt bulbs

66.70

The Town Hall Company Ltd

adverts

43.95

EDCCA

3m rental photocopier

117.50

YLCA

Good Cllr guides

6.99

EDCCA

photocopying & stationery

8.67

Greens Garden Machinery

servicing of cutters

308.82

R & S Padgett

Xmas tree

117.50

RBS Software Solutions

Alpha Training 23/1/08

346.62

BT

broadband

31.71

The Tree People

13x  thinning of lime trees, Uppleby

1756.62

SLCC

Book LCA 7th edition & postage

55.95

John Pearce

market stalls contract

724.50

Cherry Hill Nurseries

winter bedding plants, collected 191007

88.13

G Snowball & Son Ltd

Mkt Pl cobbles repairs

411.25

Open Spaces Society

appeal for reg. new greens, donation

50.00

NY Pension Fund

superannuation

433.95

HMRC

Tax & NI

639.74

Salary 2

Remuneration

436.23

Salary 1

Remuneration

898.14

Grantley Saw Mills Ltd

lats for fence @ skate park

30.55

A Nelson

misc works contract

717.86

NYCC

office rent 11/2-10/5/08

96.00

Aldersons of Worsall

remedial drainage at Millfields

3956.82

Petty Cash

postage

24.56

 

TOTAL

11481.39

 

223.3 Receipt of a cheque for £4309.72 from HMRC for the VAT refund; period

          01.04.07 – 30.11.07 was NOTED.

223.4 It was NOTED that the Audit Commission proposes to appoint Mazars LLP as

          the Council’s auditors for 5 years from the accounts for financial year for

          2007/08

 

07/224

 

URGENT ITEMS AND ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA

224.1 2008 BAND CONCERTS

          It was NOTED that Martin Wintermeyer was withdrawing from organising this year’s

          band concert. It was AGREED that the Clerk would write to Mr Wintermeyer

          thanking him for his efforts in managing the concerts in the past.

 

224.2 EASINGWOLD RUNNING CLUB

          It was AGREED that the cross country race can take place on Sunday 6 April starting

          at 10.30am.

 

224.3 RECYCLE BINS IN GALTRES CAR PARK

          It was AGREED to consider, on the next agenda, the temporary removal of  the recycle

          bins from the car park during the period of building work for the new Sport Hall.

 

224.4 CIRCULATION OF PAPERS AND THE USE OF EMAIL

          It was AGREED to discuss and consider, on the next agenda, how the Town Clerk

          distributes meeting papers to councillors.

 

224.5 BURIAL GROUNDS

          It was AGREED to add the above item to the next agenda under confidential session.

 

 

 

07/225

PLANNING MATTERS

225.1  DOVECOTE APPEAL

          It was AGREED that due to the short notice of the above appeal, a number of

          councillors will meet with the Town Clerk as a matter of urgency to put together a

          response outlining the council’s objections.

 

225.2 It was AGREED that Planning Committee recommendations, following the meeting

            on 18 February 2008 should be approved as detailed below:

            .

c

Application Ref:   08/00068/FUL

 

Proposal:   Dormer extensions to existing dwelling and the installation of 1 roof light and 1 window

Location:   6 Millfield Rise

Applicant:  Mr & Mrs Leigh Donoghue

 

Recommendation:   Wish to see APPROVED

 

 

 

d

Application Ref:   08/00107/TPO

 

Proposal:    Application to carry out work to a tree the subject of TPO 1997/12

Location:    6 Mallison Hill Drive

Applicant:   Mrs S Mace

 

Recommendation:   Wish to see APPROVED

 

 

e

Application Ref:   08/00089/TPO

 

Proposal:   Application to carry out work to trees subject to TPO 1997/12

Location:   2 Barns Wray

Applicant:  Mr P Gallagher

 

Recommendation:   Wish to see APPROVED

 

f

Application Ref:   07/03652/LBC

 

Proposal:   Application for listed building consent for single storey extension to existing dwelling and construction of

detached domestic double garage as amended by plans received by HDC on 18 January 2008

Location:    Scaife House, Market Place