1-2010/11

 

MINUTES OF EASINGWOLD TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE GALTRES CENTRE EASINGWOLD AT 7.30P.M. ON TUESDAY 20 APRIL 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: Miss Sara Horsman

 

10/01

APOLOGIES AND DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

1.1 No apologies were received

1.2 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.

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

1.4 Councillor Taylor declared an interest in Planning Application 10/00600/LBC as he is a neighbour

1.5 Councillor Shepherd declared an interest in planning application NY/2010/0088/FUL as she is a school governor.

10/02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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; There were no matters raised.

 

It was AGREED to take agenda item 09 (Dawnay Allotments) as the next item as a member of the public was present and wanted to respond to a letter sent by Easingwold Town Council.

 

10/03

DAWNAY ALLOTMENTS

This item was brought forward.

To receive an update from Councillor Readman on the current position regarding allotments 17 & 18 and deciding the way forward.

Councillor Readman gave a report to update councillors of the situation surrounding the allotments. It was AGREED that hens and chickens can remain on Plot 17 on the understanding that the boundary fence between plots 17 & 18 is put right. Councillor Tanner Smith and Councillor Readman are to arrange a visit to the site to discuss the fencing with the current occupier. Once the boundary fence is put right it was AGREED to issue Plot number 18 to the current tenant of Plot 10 as Plot 10 has flooding issues.

10/04

It was AGREED that the minutes of the meeting dated 16 March 2010 (already circulated) should be approved for signature.

10/05

MATTERS ARISING AND CLERK’S PROGRESS REPORT

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

a)Responses/letters sent

·         Millfields top cut; letters have been sent in response to those letters of complaint received regarding damage to wildlife (hedgehogs)

·         Grass cutting contractor; letter to contractor notifying that the number of cuts should be reduced from 16 to 14 this year by delaying the first one and not carrying out the penultimate one. This has been confirmed verbally with the contractor.

·         Removal of cherry trees outside 17 Barns Wray; work completed in March by local contractor

·         New Allotment Tenancy Agreements have been issued to all tenants and rents collected

Uneven path from Croft Close to Barclays Bank is very uneven as it slopes and has exposed tree roots which are dangerous. This was advised by a MOP at March TCM. NYCC have been informed and will advise what remedial action is appropriate and what priority it has been given.

·         CEWS, Demand for Improvements in Road Safety conditions in winter weather; replied 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.

·         Phil Donaghy, Request to start Annual Arthur Metcalfe Memorial Cycle Ride 26.09.10; replied that the request was approved

·         Yorkshire & Humberside Brass Band Association, Band contest 26.6.10 - request for financial support; replied that the request was approved to contribute the same amount as last year (£225)

·         John Tanner-Smith, May Day Fair Market Stalls Permission; replied that the request was approved

·         Easingwold Running Club, York & District 10k Road Race 25th May - Memorial Park finish; replied that the request was approved

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

·         Prospect Farm POS; replied to HDC 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’

·         United Charities; advised the Clerk that Cllr Readman had been re-appointed as the Town Council representative for a 4 year term

·         Grass verges on Long Street (near St. Monica’s Hospital) are being damaged by vehicles driving and parking on them; this has been reported to NYCC Highways Area 2

·         Potholes on Bonneycroft Lane have been reported to NYCC Highways Area 2

b) Memorial Park Play Area Scheme

Installation was completed 31/3/10. Image Playgrounds still have to arrange the final sign off from a playground inspection company e.g. RoSPA.

The safety fencing was left in position to protect the turf whilst it settled, but was removed on 9/4/10. All grants from NYCC Playbuilder and HDC have been received into the bank account. Image Playgrounds have been paid.

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. Awaiting further update

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. Awaiting further update

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 8

g) Millfields Skate Park

Record RSS carried 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 was an agenda item at the Recreation Committee on 19/4/10

h) Office Premises

This will be considered in Part Two, confidential session

i) Market Place

Heather Bed – Cllr Gallon is arranging the donation of 2 boulders for the bed. Once in place, new shrubs will be ordered and the memorial plaque will be fixed into place

j) Friday Market

New contract for market pitch completed with Mr Field for garden equipment & accessories.

New contract to be arranged with Elaine’s Caravan Essentials before end April 2010. All pitches will then be occupied with permanent stall holders

k) Flower Displays on Long Street

Awaiting passive risk assessment from NYCC which will hopefully result in approval being given for the tubs. This was requested 16.10.09 and has been chased up.

l) Millfields Flooding

Quotes have been requested from 3 contractors to clear the ditch from the ponds to Millfield Lane; 2 have been received back. This matter will be an agenda item at the next Open Spaces Committee in June 2010.

m) Councillor Training

Cllrs Madden, Taylor & Gallon requested to attend YLCA courses this year (as discussed at F&GP 13/04/10); booking forms have been completed & cheques raised

n) Data Protection Training

Nigel Knapton, Hambleton Area Rep is looking into the provision of this training for all local councils. The Clerk will advise council when details available.

 

MATTERS ARISING:

·         North Yorkshire MWDF; to note that the consultation period has started. The consultation ends on 28/5/10 and the papers will be on the May agenda

 

10/06

CORRESPONDENCE

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

Correspondence for Decision

6.1 Mr P Coomer, Burial Ground Letter it was AGREED that Easingwold Town Council stand by their original decision.

6.2 Peter Bridgstock, Home Energy Efficiency Programme Co-ordinator for HDC it was AGREED to refer Mr Bridgstock to a better government for older people in order for a larger audience.

6.3 Jason Feavers, Nordic Walking at Millfields; council AGREED the request in principle before referring it to the Open Spaces Committee to sort out the details.

6.4 North Yorkshire County Council, Traffic Management Training it was AGREED to note the contents of the letter and to leave on file for consideration in the future.

10/07

MEMORIAL PARK ENHANCEMENTS

7.1 To consider CCTV and lighting improvements; it was AGREED Councillor Shepherd would speak with the police and Excell Technology in respect of further CCTV.   It was AGREED to arrange for Geoff Lodge, anti social behaviour specialist for Hambleton District Council to visit the site and advise on the best way to handle anti social behaviour. Geoff Lodge can also advise on the mobile CCTV unit; it was AGREED Councillor Shepherd would pursue these agreements.

7.2 To consider signage requirements; it was AGREED for the clerk to urgently arrange for the following signs to be put up or re sited so they are clearly visible upon entry to the play area; No cycles, Use litter bins provided, Age restriction notice, and  dogs on lead at all times.

Other matters will be reported under the Committee Reports agenda item.

10/08

DAWNAY

8.1 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

8.2 Dawnay Track Road

To consider the request made by Mr Tubb in his letter dated 13 March 2010,  it was AGREED that the Town Council would agree to a stopping-up order subject to the scouts agreeing to meet the cost, and that Easingwold Town Council have indemnity against any future maintenance of the highway stopped up.

10/09

DRAFT LICENSE FOR TRADERS ON THE MARKET PLACE

To receive correspondence from The George Hotel; to receive feedback from Cllr Gallon re informal meeting with landlords on 8/4/10 and decide the way forward.

9.1 It was AGREED to draw up new agreements for all pubs agreeing to points raised by Mr Riley with exception to the number of tables. Councillor Gallon proposed that all pubs should be allowed four tables only; this is to ensure fairness and equality with other pubs. This proposal was seconded by Councillor Shepherd. It was AGREED the clerk would draw up a new licence, changing the term licensee to Designated Premises Supervisor, informing that A Boards can be on display during opening hours, and confirming that tables can be put outside on Good Friday.

The license should be reviewed yearly.

09.2 It was noted that Barbe-Q have signed both agreements and paid the fee to the clerk.

10/10

EASINGWOLD TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE OFFICE BUILDING

To consider requesting the transfer of the lease back from Hambleton District Council providing officers of ETIP support the request (Cllr Ellis to lead); it was AGREED for Councillor Ellis to pursue this matter.

 It was AGREED the clerk would write to ETIP with the idea and ask for any views to be made in writing or via the next town council meeting.

10/11

NINEVAH – REMEDIAL DRAINAGE WORKS

To receive an update from Cllr Madden and decide the way forward; Councillor Madden is still waiting to meet with the Chairman of KUODB, he will report back to full council in May.

10/12

REVIEW OF PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES & HOME TO SCHOOL TRANSPORT SERVICES IN HAMBLETON AND THE SURROUNDING AREA; Contents of the letter were noted. Councillors were informed to contact the clerk with any comments.

10/13

STANDING ORDERS

To receive recommendations from the F&GP Committee and consider the adoption of the new Standing Orders; All councillors AGREED to the adoption of the new standing orders.

10/14

TREE CONTRACTOR

To consider appointing different contractors if necessary; it was AGREED to move this item to the next Open Spaces Committee meeting in June 2010.

10/15

EMERGENCY REPAIRS AND MINOR ITEMS

To note and approve any emergency repairs and/or minor items actioned by the Clerk since the last meeting;

It was AGREED for the clerk to order new signage for the memorial park, new locks, and a new bin.

10/16

COMMITTEE REPORTS

16.1 Finance & General Purposes Committee Report from meeting held 13/04/10.

The Clerk had emailed a copy of the draft minutes to all members. The highlights are:

The Clerk has incorporated all previous revisions in the Standing Orders as agreed at the last F&GP meeting. After YLCA clarification on section 26c (Matters affecting council employees) and section 31b (Allegations to breaches of the code of conduct), these sections were approved. It was AGREED that the definitive draft should be submitted to full council at April meeting for adoption. This was AGREED in agenda item 10/13.

16.2 Recreation Committee Report from meeting held 19/04/10.

N Knapton emailed a copy of the draft minutes to all members. The highlights are:

It was AGREED to ask Image Playgrounds to come and talk about a design for the toddler area.

It was AGREED not to purchase any additional play bark for the toddler area at the present time.

It was AGREED to consider re seeding the bare areas of grass in September.

It was AGREED to include item 5.2 (disbandment of Friends of Easingwold Memorial Park) of the Recreation Committee Agenda Report as a full agenda item in May.

16.3 Planning Report from meeting held 19/04/10.

N Knapton emailed a copy of the draft minutes to all members.

10/17

FINANCE MATTERS

17.1 March 2010 Income & Expenditure report was noted.

17.2 The following accounts were approved for payment:

Cheque No

Amount

Payee

Reason

101384

£96.23

BATA

Soil nutrients for Market Greens

101385

£205.63

Adbell Sign Systems

Memorial Park; new sign

101386

£120.00

Yorkshire Stumpgrinders Ltd

Tree Work; Barns Wray

101387

£15.62

EDCCA

Photocopying

101388

£159.20

Yorkshire Water

Market Tolls water rates

101389

£123.38

D & K Unsworth & Son

Millfield Top Cut

101390

£20.39

JH & M Hutchinson

Paint for Claypenny Park equipment

101391

£41.43

Bow House Ltd

Website hosting fee

101392

£129.25

Exell Technology

CCTV repair

DDR

£37.59

BT

Broadband

101393

£526.00

A Nelson

Misc Works Contractor

101394

£502.97

HMRC

Tax & NI

101395

£1,196.67

Salary 1

Salary

101396

£351.72

Salary 2

Salary

101397

£225.00

Yorkshire & Humberside Brass Band Association

Band donation for 26/6/10

101398

£205.32

Easingwold Town Hall Company Ltd

Newsletter publication

101399

£147.00

W B Taylor

Chairman's Allowance re Council Dinner

101400

£125.00

YLCA

Councillor Training for Cllrs Madden, Gallon & Taylor

17.3 To note the receipt of the final instalment of the Playbuilder grant and the £1,000 grant from HDC towards the Memorial Park.

17.4 To note the receipt of Heads of Terms for the current office accommodation at the Police House; the rent is increasing to £1,000 per annum which is higher than the budgeted figure of £384. The term is for one year which expires on 8th April 2011. All Councillors AGREED to the actions made by the clerk.

17.5 To note the receipt from NYCC of the Urban Grass Cutting allowance of £4,904.50 which covers six cuts in the FY 2010/11.

17.6 To note the Annual Return for FY 2009/10 has been received from Mazars for action by the Clerk. The Annual Return will be submitted to council for approval at the appropriate time.

17.7 To note that the research requested reference F&GP February 6.3 as follows has been carried out:

Ø      The remaining £70,000 in BMM +3 months should be moved on its anniversary (31.3.10) to a longer term account with a better return of interest. Delegated authority was given to the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Clerk to research available cash investments and make a recommendation to full council

The recommendation is to leave the funds where they are as to gain a higher return involves tying the funds up for a longer term or increasing the risk. The current rate of interest on BMM +3 months is 0.3% gross p.a.

17.8 To note the Internal Controls Review was carried out by Cllr Taylor on 6/4/10.

10/18

TOWN REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

It was AGREED the clerk would look in to finding additional local contractors to work alongside Snowballs on the cobbles.

10/19

URGENT ITEMS AND ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA

19.1 Councillor Tanner-Smith informed that he has been approached by 2 members of the public regarding bad visibility for drivers when entering Long Street via the one way system this is due to local bus companies parking on the side of the road between both one way systems. It was AGREED the clerk would write to both local bus companies asking them to park more considerately in the future.

19.2 Councillor Ellis proposed that a minute should be made in the public minutes regarding items discussed in confidential session. A full report will be forwarded to all councillors as done previously. This was AGREED by all present.

Councillor Taylor has AGREED to seek advice regarding legalities of confidential session at future training courses.

10/20

PLANNING MATTERS

This item was taken at 8.30pm.

20.1 It was AGREED that Planning Committee recommendations, following the meeting on 19th April 2010 should be approved as set out in the following minutes of the meeting:

 

 

Ref No

Application details

Address

Applicant's name

a

10/00600/LBC

Application for listed building consent for formation of shower room and toilet in roof space

 

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

 

Councillor Taylor declared an interest as he is a neighbour.

Hey House, 13 Uppleby, Easingwold, North Yorkshire

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs E Stephns

b

10/00301/FUL

Revised application for alterations and extensions to existing office building to form a dwelling

 

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

Court House, Church Hill, Easingwold

Mr P Hourigan

b1

10/00301/FUL

Revised application for alterations and extensions to existing office building to form a dwelling, construction of a detached garage and alterations to access as amended by plans received by Hambleton District Council on 23rd March 2010

 

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

Court House, Church Hill, Easingwold

Mr P Hourigan

c

10/00612/FUL

Proposed extensions and alterations to existing dwelling

 

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

 

The Committee would not wish this property used for commercial purposes in the future due to the location.

 

Lilac Cottage, Stillington Road

Mr & Mrs Peter Harrison

d

NY/2010/0088/FUL

Erection of Kitchen, hall, annex, gas meter housing and canopy to picnic area and pram shelter, also conversion of former kitchen to children’s centre.

 

Recommendation:

Wish to see Approved

Easingwold CP School, Thirsk Road, Easingwold, York

North Yorkshire County Council

 

Minor Amendments:                            0

Withdrawn:                                          0

Street Naming & Numbering:   0

20.2 Applications considered by Hambleton District Council were noted.

The number of new dwellings 1.6.07 - date: 21

10/21

It was RESOLVED to exclude members of the press and public under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 for items 10/22-23, due to the confidential nature of the business

10/22

BURIAL GROUND

This was discussed fully in confidential session.

The outcome of the planning application is still not known.

10/23

FUTURE PREMISES FOR EASINGWOLD TOWN COUNCIL

This was discussed in confidential session.

Councillor Taylor thanked the working party for their continued support in seeking alternative premises. The Council are looking at in to the report received on possible sites.

 

 

 

 

 

                                               

CORRESPONDENCE NOTED APRIL 2010

 

Received

From

Subject

08/04/2010

Yorkshire Wolds Muffins

Market Stall Application

26/03/2010

HDC Laura Venn

Request for temporary Rolling Road Closure at Easingwold

01/04/2010

David Chase

Seat License Crabmill Lane

08/04/2010

Aon

Local Council Insurance transferred from Allianz

10/03/2010

David Goodwin

Town Council Dinner

10/03/2010

Christine Cookman

Town Council Dinner

11/03/2010

Hambleton DC

Play equipment Grant Aid

11/03/2010

Allianz

Play Equipment Insurance

15/03/2010

NYCC

Hambleton Area Committee

08/04/2010

Easingwold & District over 50s forum

Easingwold Area Open Forum date

08/04/2010

Wetherby District Lions Club

The great Yorkshire bike ride information of date

08/04/2010

St Leonards Hospice

invitation to the silver jubilee at York Minster

15/03/2010

Playing Fields Association

Play Area Survey

15/03/2010

Hambleton DC

Your local website needs you. Develop your web design and computer skills

15/03/2010

Association Management Quarterly

Association Management Quarterly

22/03/2010

Market Times

Market Times News Letter

25/03/2010

Alzheimers Society

Volunteer fundraising poster

26/03/2010

Helen Page HDC

Shared Ownership opportunities poster for notice board request