103-2009/10

 

 

MINUTES OF EASINGWOLD TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE GALTRES CENTRE EASINGWOLD AT 7.30P.M. ON TUESDAY 16 MARCH 2010

 

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

 

Clerk: Mrs C Armitage

 

09/267

APOLOGIES AND DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

267.1 No apologies were received

267.2 Councillor Ellis and Shepherd declared that, as members of Hambleton District Council, they would reconsider any matters at the district level taking into account all relevant evidence and representations at the district tier.

267.3 Councillor Tanner-Smith declared a personal interest (friends) in item 09/286.1 g1 & g2 applications 10/00353/ADV & 10/00354/FUL and agenda item 09/271.5 as organiser of the event.

267.4 Councillor Ellis declared a personal interest (relative) in item 09/286.1 f application 10/00462/FUL

267.5 Councillor Cannon Harrison declared a personal interest (trustee of churchyard which is adjoining proposed burial ground) in item 09/289

09/268

It was AGREED to adjourn the meeting for up to 15 minutes to take questions through the Chairman from members of the public. All items raised by the public are recorded to enable the council to deal with at the appropriate time.
There were two members of the public present.

No 1.

The salt bin in the Galtres Centre car park has disappeared. The Clerk advised that this had already been investigated with HDC and had been advised the bin had been removed for cleaning and would be returned, but not necessarily to the same location, within Easingwold.

There is a grate blocked opposite the entrance to Paradise Day Centre and it looks like the drain is collapsing; the resident has reported this to NYCC Highways Area 2 and is awaiting a reply. The resident is concerned that the dip in the roadway is a Health & Safety risk to cyclists, motorists and pedestrians.

There are still many potholes to rectify and patching is a false economy.

The pathway from Croft Close to Barclays Bank is very uneven as it slopes and has exposed tree roots which are dangerous. The Chairman agreed this would be reported to the appropriate authority.

Recycle bins are overflowing and have been for some time in the Galtres Centre car park. Cllr Ellis advised that these would be emptied on 17/3/10.

What has been decided about new salt bins in Easingwold? The Chairman advised that two additional bins had been ordered from NYCC. They would be filled at the beginning of the season and refilled as finances permitted.

No 2.

Burial ground – has counted the number of existing used plots in the graveyard; 127 plots have been used in approximately the last 14 years. There are 125 plots available which would indicate there is 14 years of space remaining before it is full. Cllr Canon Harrison advised that there are other factors e.g. a new area for cremated remains needs to be established as currently, taking into account the need for plots for burials and cremated remains the likely duration of the existing churchyard is 5-6 years. The Canon stated his recommendation to council would be to utilise part of the new extension to the burial ground to create a garden for cremated remains.

The resident stated that there appeared to be no time urgency for this ground to be purchased and that the government are piloting the re-use of burial grounds so additional space may not be required.

09/269

It was AGREED that the public minutes of the meeting dated 16 February 2010 (already circulated) should be approved for signature. The confidential minutes needed a minor amendment which was dealt with in confidential session before being approved for signature.

 

09/270

MATTERS ARISING AND CLERK’S PROGRESS REPORT

To note progress on action points from previous minutes (information items only)

a)      Responses/letters sent

·         The Clerk has written to Easingwold Lions requesting their notice board be refurbished or possibly replaced as it is looking tired

·         Great North Air Ambulance, donation request; the Clerk has written to them advising that no donation was possible due to financial constraints

·         SLCC Training day 4/3/10 in the Galtres Centre,  invitation to Clerk and Councillors; the Clerk advised SLCC that both Cllr Taylor and the Clerk would attend and raised the cheques for payment

·         First Easingwold Scouts, invitation to Whitsun Bank Holiday Camp (30 & 31st May) and the road track at the Dawnay; the Clerk wrote to Mr Tubb advising that individual Cllrs would personally respond to the invitation. A site visit with Mr Tubb and Cllrs was held on Saturday 6/3/10 to talk through the condition of the track and track maintenance for the future. See main agenda item 7.2

·         Easingwold Running Club, Millfield Park run 21st March 2010 permission request; permission for this annual event was notified to the organiser

·         Easingwold Town Band, request for support for 3 band concerts in the band stand (Memorial Park) on 23/5, 27/6 and 29/8/10; permission for the concerts and to donate £100 per concert held was notified to the organiser

·         Prospect Farm, provision of Public Open Space; the Clerk wrote to HDC advising that ETC did not wish to adopt the POS. See main agenda item 9

·         The summer planting has been ordered from Cherry Hill Nurseries on 9/3/10

·         Heather Bed, Market Place; The Clerk has written to the organiser thanking her for the donation (in memory of Mr Howard Dixon) and advising her of what was being done and that the council will invoice her for the costs when the work is completed.

b) Memorial Park Play Area Scheme

·         Moverleys have completed the clearance of the site in good time

·         The final version of the zip cable equipment has been approved

·         The order has been placed with Image Playgrounds for the provision of a DDA compliant entrance path and ramp

·         Final instalment of Playbuilder grant for £21,343 has been requested on 8/3/10; this will be held by NYCC until they are notified that the installation is complete

·         Area was pegged out by Image Playgrounds on 5/3/10; some Cllrs attended

·         HDC grant application for £1,000 towards the scheme has been granted; formal notification has been received and the acceptance form returned by the Clerk

·         Allianz Insurance has advised that £72.55 will be the revised premium for the new play equipment after the old equipment has been removed in Memorial Park. This is until the end of the current policy

·         Installation of the new equipment started on 8/3/10 (one week ahead of schedule)

·         Requisite sign (as per Playbuiler Scheme criteria) has been ordered from Adbell; final logos are to be notified when Easingwold Lions advise outcome of donation request from ETC. Adbell will carry out the installation of the sign also

 

c) Footpath at Springhill Court (08/142 &08/188)

Mrs J Charlton advised that she is arranging a further meeting with the developers and whilst ETC are not invited to the meeting, she will advise the Clerk of the outcome in due course. 25/2/10 update from Mrs J Charlton: ‘A preliminary design for the proposed footpath has been passed to the planning authority by the applicant for discharge of the planning condition.  Further information has been requested by the Planning Authority and is currently being dealt with and will be passed to the Planning Authority within the next two weeks.  Once approved, arrangements will be made for detailed design and construction to be carried out, along with an agreed programmed start date.’

 Mr T Wood, HDC has commented on revised plans before Christmas and raised query with some of the statements about the gradients that the plan showed could be achieved.  He is awaiting the further details and is expecting a response by 12/3/10

d) Millfields Car Park extension by Housing 21

This matter is still unresolved. Mr Thornton, HDC, advised he is looking into it on 22.2.10

e) Burial Ground

This will be considered in Part Two, confidential session

f) Review of Policy on Town Council land for tables outside commercial premises

See main agenda item 14

g) Millfields Skate Park

The Clerk requested Record RSS to carry out the next inspection in March 2010 as area seems to have deteriorated further in the bad weather. The revised inspection report & quotation for remedial works should be considered at the next appropriate meeting.

h) Office Premises

This will be considered in Part Two, confidential session

i) Easter Market on Good Friday

The Clerk has arranged for the market to be held on Good Friday (2/4/10) instead of Maundy Thursday. This was welcomed by the Market Traders. The Clerk will arrange for a notice on the Town Council notice board and will place an advert in the Easingwold Advertiser to promote this market

j) Money Market Investments

The Clerk has arranged for £24,543 to be transferred from the +3 month account to the +1 month account on 31.3.10 (anniversary date).

 

MATTERS ARISING:

·         The Clerk attended an HMRV VAT workshop on 3/3/10 in Gosforth. It was valuable training to assist the smooth running of the Council’s financial business

·         The Clerk and Cllr Taylor attended an SLCC Regional Training Day at the Galtres Centre on 4/3/10. Particular topics of interest were a presentation by Stephen Christopher, partner at Mazars LLP, our external auditor and an interactive session on the Code of Conduct by the Monitoring Officer, Selby District Council.

·         Internal Audit; the Clerk is in the process of discussing availability with the usual internal auditors, Avis Thomas & Bryan Metcalf. The date and appointment of the auditors will need to be approved at the April meeting of the Council

·         The Internal Controls Review will be carried out by Cllr Taylor and the Clerk on 6th April 2010.

·         Under delegated powers the following events in the Market Place have been approved by the Clerk & Chairman:

o        Permission for the cross in the grass in front of Towlers over the Easter period and the short service at noon on Good Friday

o       Police Surgery bus on Market Cross side for June 18th, July 16th, August 13th, September 3rd, October 8th and November 26th 2010

o        Easingwold Pre-School Playgroup Cake Stall on Market Cross on Saturday 27th March 2010

09/271

CORRESPONDENCE

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

Correspondence for Decision

271.1 CEWS, Demand for Improvements in Road Safety conditions in winter weather; it was AGREED the Clerk should reply advising two new salt bins had been ordered from NYCC. They would be filled at the beginning of the season and refilled as finances permitted. The majority of the issues raised in the letter are directed at NYCC Winter Maintenance Policy who is also a recipient of similar correspondence. County Cllr Sowray is pursuing the possible creation of a volunteer group in Easingwold and he is trying to obtain assurance from NYCC that this group could be indemnified against any claims under the NYCC policy.

271.2 Phil Donaghy, Request to start Annual Arthur Metcalfe Memorial Cycle Ride 26.09.10; it was AGREED to approve this request

271.3 Yorkshire & Humberside Brass Band Association, Band contest 26.6.10 - request for financial support; it was AGREED to approve the request and contribute the same amount as last year

271.4 Rural Action Yorkshire, Participatory Budgeting; it was AGREED that cllrs would reply individually regarding their intention to attend the event

271.5 John Tanner-Smith, May Day Fair Market Stalls Permission; it was AGREED  to approve the request

271.6 Easingwold Running Club, York & District 10k Road Race 25th May - Memorial Park finish; it was AGREED  to approve the request

271.7 Easingwold Scouts, Galtres Fun Runs 26/6/10 and permission to display banner to Market Cross 3 weeks prior to the event; it was AGREED  to approve the request however the banner can only by hung for one week prior to the event

271.8 Hilary Clough Smith, Burial Ground letter copy to advertiser; it was AGREED to note the contents of the letter to the Easingwold Advertiser

09/272

MEMORIAL PARK ENHANCEMENTS

272.1 The Clerk advised that good progress was being made by the contractor and completion was due on 29/3/10.  Work on the new path and DDA ramp had started. It was AGREED the new DCSF signage should be erected to the left hand side of the entrance gate to the play area. Council needed to consider what form any official opening of the park would be; it was AGREED this should be considered at the next Recreation Committee in April and recommendations reported back to full council. The Clerk advised that within the Playbuilder criteria, NYCC needed to be included in decisions regarding the official opening e.g. opening ceremonies and press coverage.

HDC have awarded £1,000 grant towards the scheme and the Clerk met today with Mr D Earl, HDC, to give a copy of the final invoices for the work and to inspect the site of work in progress. The grant will be paid on proof of payment to the contractor.

The Clerk will place the final order for signage with Adbell on 17/3/10 including HDC logo

272.2 It was AGREED that Mr Knapton should be approached to cover all outstanding actions for the Memorial Park until the Clerk returns from leave on 6/4/10. Any queries should be referred to members of the Recreation Committee.

09/273

DAWNAY

273.1 Draft Lease for Easingwold TC Land at the Dawnay

To consider the draft lease from First Easingwold (Forest of Galtres) Scout Group (if received)

Carry forward to the next agenda as not yet received

273.2 Dawnay Track Road

To receive feedback from the site visit on 6/3/10 with Mr Tubb

Cllrs Readman, Gallon and Taylor attended the site visit. The main outcome of the visit was that the Scouts would wish to see a ‘stopping- up order’ for the area of road from after the allotment turning area to the end of the road (up to the Dawnay Bridge). This is to stop trespassers as the road has been confirmed by NYCC as not being a PROW. Mr Tubb sent a letter to the Clerk received 15/3/10 which detailed the points discussed. This will be considered as an agenda item for the next full meeting of the council in April.

09/274

NINEVEH – REMEDIAL DRAINAGE WORKS

Cllr Madden advised he is meeting with the Chairman of KUODB w/c 20/3/10 and would report back to full council in April.

09/275

 PROSPECT FARM SECTION 106 AGREEMENT

To receive the response from HDC to the notification from ETC that the Public Open Space will not be adopted and consider the way forward

After discussion of the additional information from Mr D Earl, HDC, it was AGREED that the original decision should stand as made in February 2010 reference 09/251 ‘the council do not wish to adopt this area; it should be maintained by HDC’

09/276

NEWSLETTER

To consider the final draft of the March 2010 edition and give approval for publication

It was AGREED to accept the draft with the following addition; to insert underneath the calendar of meetings that correspondence for consideration by the council at the meeting must be received at the Clerk’s Office by close of business six working days before the meeting day e.g. meeting date 16/3/10 then correspondence must be received by 5/3/10.

09/277

GRANTS POLICY & PROCESS

The proposed policy from the Clerk was considered and it was AGREED to adopt with the addition at Section 2 ‘Council reserves the right to accept late applications’.

09/278

UNITED CHARITIES

278.1 It was noted that Cllr Readman’s term of office as the Town Council representative Trustee expires on 9/4/10

278.2 It was AGREED to re-appoint Cllr Readman as the Town Council representative for a 4 year term

09/279

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY (APA)

279.1 It was noted the APA will be held in the Lounge, Galtres Centre on Tuesday 20th April 2010 at 7pm

279.2 To decide the subject for the Assembly; it was AGREED  the subject would be ‘Local Policing’

279.3 To consider the invitation to a guest speaker; it was AGREED to invite Inspector Tim Osborn to lead the discussion and make a short presentation

09/280

DRAFT LICENSE FOR TRADERS ON THE MARKET PLACE

To receive the draft license for traders in the Market Place, to consider the locations of the furniture and mark on the map and decide the way forward

The draft license received from Hileys was APPROVED. Cllr Taylor volunteered to create scale maps of the areas of the premises for inclusion with the license. It was AGREED to grant delegated powers to the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Clerk to annotate each map with the ring fenced area for the furniture to be placed by each trader.  Every effort should be made to issue each license prior to the Easter break when the license details become valid.

09/281

EMERGENCY REPAIRS AND MINOR ITEMS

281.1 The purchase of salt for empty bins at St Monica’s Place and the Market Place

09/282

COMMITTEE REPORTS

282.1 Finance & General Purposes Committee Report from meeting held 23/2/10. The Clerk had circulated a copy of the draft minutes to all members on 26/2/10. Cllr Taylor advised the Standing Order revisions were underway and the questions raised were with YLCA for guidance. The target date for council to adopt the new Standing Orders is the Annual Meeting of the Council in May; this is dependent upon replies from YLCA.

282.2 Open Spaces Committee Report from meeting held 15/3/10.

Cllr Readman read out the draft minutes. The Clerk will circulate a copy of the draft minutes to all members. The highlights are:

·         Millfields top cut done early March; letters of complaint received regarding death of some hedgehogs during the cutting process

·         Grass cutting contract; due to financial constraints and reduction in funding from NYCC the council would carry out 14 cuts instead of 16 per season. The first cut will be delayed and the penultimate cut will not be done

·         Trees; the waiting list had been reviewed and Barns Wray tree work will be undertaken

·         Allotments; the annual rent will increase to £15 per plot from 1/4/10 when new tenancy agreements will be issued to all tenants

·         Cllr Tanner-Smith and Mr E Readman have dug out and cleared the area of blocked drainage channel from Millfield ponds to Millfield Lane.

Council expressed their thanks and gratitude to Cllr Tanner-Smith and Mr E Readman for all of the hard work this will have involved

282.3 United Charities

Cllr Readman advised that the Chairman, Mr T Beckwith had resigned. Cllr Readman is now the Chairman of United Charities. Complaints have been received from tenants of Breadlands Allotments regarding the condition of the road. Cllr Readman advised £1600 had been donated to eight local charities from the income provided by four pieces of agricultural land, not from allotment rental income.

09/283

FINANCE MATTERS

283.1 February 2010 Income & Expenditure report was noted.

283.2 The following accounts were approved for payment:

SLCC

101365

22.00

Cllr Taylor, Training 4/3/10

Image Playgrounds

101366

62,714.33

Memorial Park refurbishment

John Pearce

101367

579.60

Market Stalls Contract

COZIE

101368

225.00

Donation LG(MiscProv)A1976s19

Salary 1

101369

1,252.00

Salary 1

Salary 2

101370

334.52

Salary 2

HMRC

101371

498.75

Tax & NI

ME Willis Ltd

101372

106.04

Sharpen Service Hedgetrimmer

Staples Direct

101373

228.46

Stationery

BATA

101374

89.24

Rock salt & shovel

Grays Solicitors

101375

233.77

Legal Services, Employment

YLCA

101376

699.00

Annual Subscription

NYCC

101377

6.18

Copy of EW Market Charter 1639

EDCCA

101378

16.30

Photocopying & Stationery

BT

DDR

36.73

Broadband fee

NY Pension Fund X3300

DDR

542.96

Superannuation March 2010

Moverley Demolition & Skip Hire

101379

1,997.50

Site clearance; Mem Park

A Nelson

101380

308.50

Misc Works Contractor

N Knapton

101381

700.00

Staff Services

BT

DDR

138.25

Telephone

PETTY CASH

101382

41.02

Top Up

Allianz Insurance

101383

72.55

Insurance Top Up re new eqpt in Memorial Park

 

 

70,842.70

 

 

283.3 The Forecast Outturn for 2009/10 and Budget Allocations for 2010/11 as recommended by the F&GP who met on 23/2/10, was APPROVED

283.4 The rates demands from HDC for 2010/11 for the Outdoor Market and Office were noted

283.5 The Clerk advised that in order to ensure there was no funding shortfall in the community account, it was recommended to move £36,000 from BMM +1 month account over after 1/4/10. This should be reviewed when the precept is received from HDC. This recommendation was APPROVED and it was noted that cheque payments should not be made unnecessarily early.

09/284

TOWN REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

·         Potholes in Bonneycroft Lane should be reported to NYCC Highways Area 2

·         The NYCC owned and managed grass verges on Long Street (near St. Monica’s Hospital) are being damaged by vehicles driving and parking on them; this should be reported to NYCC Highways Area 2

09/285

URGENT ITEMS AND ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA

No additional items were received other than those already recorded elsewhere in the minutes

09/286

PLANNING MATTERS

This item was taken at 8.30pm.

286.1 It was AGREED that Planning Committee recommendations, following the meeting on 15th March 2010 should be approved as set out in the following minutes of the meeting:

 

Ref No

Application Details

Address

Applicant’s name

a

10/00271/MRC

Application to vary condition 5 of planning approval 09/03544/FUL relating to garage door

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

15 Uppleby, Easingwold, York YO61 3BQ

Mr & Mrs David Wright

b

10/00420/FUL

Proposed alterations and extensions to existing dwelling

Recommendation:

Wish to see Refused

The east and west elevations are dominant and overpowering; they are out of character with the street scene

The Ramblings, Alne Road, Easingwold, York

Mr Phil Mason

c

10/00418/FUL

Proposed demolition of existing rear single storey and construction of new extension at existing dwelling

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

50 Uppleby, Easingwold, York YO61 3BB

Mr & Mrs I Connell

d

10/00452/TPO

Application to carry out works to Beech tree the subject of Tree Preservation Order No. 2004/01

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

Croft Cottage, Back Lane, Easingwold, North Yorkshire

B Gibson

e

10/00431/FUL

Proposed alterations and extensions to existing dwelling

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

Wish to express concern re the lack of parking in what is already a congested area

Rose Croft, Back Lane, Easingwold, North Yorkshire

Mr S Nesbit

f

10/00462/FUL

Two storey rear extension to existing dwelling

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

Cllr Ellis declared a personal interest as the applicant is a relative and did not take part in the discussion

Roxby House York Road Easingwold

Mr M Hutchinson

g1

10/00353/ADV

Application for advertisement consent for an awning

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

Cllr Tanner-Smith declared a personal interest as the applicant is a friend and did not take part in the discussion

Howells and Hudson Veterinary Surgeons Old Police House Market Place Easingwold

Mrs Gillian Robson

g2

10/00354/FUL

Change of use veterinary surgery into hairdresser/beauty salon

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

Cllr Tanner-Smith declared a personal interest as the applicant is a friend and did not take part in the discussion

Howells and Hudson Veterinary Surgeons Old Police House Market Place Easingwold

Mrs Gillian Robson

h

10/00469/FUL

Proposed conversion of store room and barn to additional ancillary

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

The Old Barn, Crankley Lane, Easingwold, North Yorkshire

R Helferich

i

10/00411/FUL

Change of use of ground/first floor from domestic to offices

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

Commercial Cottage Market Place Easingwold North Yorkshire

Mr Peter Dargue

j

10/00548/CAT

Proposed work to trees

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

As the application recommends various tree management options, the council wishes to state that it would not wish to see any trees removed

 

St Johns RC Church

St Johns Priory

151A Long Street

Easingwold

Fr L Chamberlain

 

Minor Amendments:                          0

Withdrawn:                                          0

Street Naming & Numbering:          0

 

286.2 Applications considered by Hambleton District Council were noted.

The number of new dwellings 1.6.07 - date: 21

09/287

It was RESOLVED to exclude members of the press and public under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 for items 09/288-290, due to the confidential nature of the business

09/288

Part Two

STAFFING

This was discussed in confidential session

09/289

BURIAL GROUND

This was discussed in confidential session

09/290

FUTURE PREMISES FOR EASINGWOLD TOWN COUNCIL

This was discussed in confidential session

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE TO NOTE: MARCH 2010

                       

Note

Date Received

From

Subject

1

12/02/2010

Allotment Applicant

Allotment Application

2

12/02/2010

Hileys Solicitors

COZIE Lease

3

15/02/2010

FA Bartlett Tree Expert Co Ltd

Soil Nutrient Analysis

4

15/02/2010

Allotment Applicant

Signed Tenancy Agreement Plot 10

5

18/02/2010

Hambleton DC

Easingwold Area Forum 01.04.10

6

18/02/2010

YLCA

Hambleton Branch Meeting 17.03.10

7

18/02/2010

Peter Penny NYCC

Kelbalk Tree Roots; acknowledgement

8

19/02/2010

Forest of Galtres Scout Group

Annual Rent for Dawnay

9

23/02/2010

HMRC

Employer pack 2010 for year end

10

24/022010

YLCA

White Rose Update

11

25/02/2010

NYCC

Specific Learning Difficulties

12

25/02/2010

Open Spaces Society

Open Space brochure

13

03/03/2010

Ann Stockton

Seeking permission for Easingwold Art Exhibition banner from 14-22/5/2010 & 15-24/10/2010

14

03/03/2010

David Chase

Crabmill Lane Seat Licence map (for completion)

15

05/03/2010

HDC

Easingwold -eng-Age into sport

16

05/03/2010

North Yorkshire Waste Management

Low cost compost bins

17

05/03/2010

Yorkshire in Bloom

Yorkshire in bloom invitation

18

05/03/2010

Tim Wood

Springhill Court Footpath; update

19

08/03/2010

Cherry Hill Nurseries

Quote for supplying summer planting 2010

20

08/03/2010

Easingwold Resident

Allotment Enquiry

21

08/03/2010

Play Builders

Spring Offers

22

08/03/2010

Michael Crosthwaite

Police Surgeries Bus, Market Cross dates

23

19/02/2010

FA Bartlett Tree Expert Co Ltd

Soil Nutrient Analysis