Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 3rd March 2008 at 7.00pm
in the Village Hall
| Present: |
Chairman |
Cllr Bryant |
| |
Vice Chairman |
Cllr Plummer
Cllr Neal
Cllr Lawson
Cllr Chant
Cllr Bridger
Cllr Young
Cllr Fraser
Cllr Snow |
| And the Clerk Sally Upshall. |
| In attendance: |
Cllr Dowden – North Dorset District Councillor |
| |
Cllr Cattaway – Dorset County Councillor |
There were eight members of the public present.
Public Consultation
Two members of the public Mr Clark and Mr Young spoke regarding the work
that needed to be done in the Recreation Ground. They said that each end
of the Village Hall needed respraying and if the Council were in agreement
then they would do this at no cost to the Council. They also noted the
trees that needed to come down at the entrance to the Cemetery and that
the goalposts need to be moved on the small football pitch as the ground
is dipped by the post and it needs filling. There are also some seats that
need attention and for £25 per seat for the timber and bolts Mr Clark
and Mr Young are happy to fix them. The Chairman proposed that the Council
give their consent to the work being done on the seats and the goalposts,
this was seconded by Cllr Chant.
It was felt that the best way forward regarding the trees was for Cllr Snow
and Mrs Sturges along with Mr Clark and Mr Young to have a site visit to
decide the best way to complete the necessary work. Mr and Mrs Miller from
the Village Hall committee said that they are looking at colour samples for
the hall and Mr Clark and Mr Young will liaise with them regarding this.
The Chairman thanked Mr Clark and Mr Young for all the work they are putting
into the Recreation Ground.
Mr Miller noted that he felt that the previous minutes had been misleading
regarding the timescale relating to the new kitchen in the Village Hall.
It is actually unlikely to be started until the autumn at the earliest.
2008/014 Apologies for Absence
Cllr Bulford.
2008/015 Declaration of Interest.
There were none.
At this point the Chairman noted that after the last meeting a Cllr was approached
by a member of the public for some information that had been discussed at
the meeting. The Chairman explained that any members of the public who want
to gain information must go through the Parish Clerk.
2008/016 Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting held on the 4th of February 2008 were agreed and
signed that the minutes are a correct and true record.
The minutes of the planning meeting on the 16th of February 2008 were agreed
and signed that these minutes are a correct and true record.
2008/017 Financial Matters
The Payment Schedule had been circulated and read out to the public. The
total cost to the Parish Council for January and February is for the sum
of £2283.60. This was agreed, proposed and seconded.
The Councillors also had received a Financial Statement from the RFO before
the meeting.
The Chairman asked the councillors to look at the Financial Regulations for
comments and discussion at the next meeting. The Chairman requested that
we use the new regulations as long as we did not loose anything from the
2006 version if we adopt the new ones. Some Cllr’s did not have a copy
of the 2006 version so Cllr Lawson is going to e-mail a copy around to all
Cllr’s.
Cllr Lawson asked when they see a reconciliation report and the Chairman
advised him to contact the RFO.
2008/018 Planning Matters
Councillors are presently undertaking training on planning matters and the
Chairman is still in negotiation with NDDC regarding an open meeting with
a Planning Officer from NDDC.
The Chairman read out some applications we had received notification regarding:
SSDC – Henstridge Airfield – Application to remove condition
10 of decision notice date 23rd of September 2002 – this application
has now been withdrawn.
2/2008/0078 - Rose Court, Marnhull – Application Approved.
At this point the Chairman raised the issue of correspondence between SSDC
and Marnhull Parish Council. At present all correspondence gets sent to the
Clerk and she then delivers it to Cllr Fraser. Obviously there is some delay
involved in this and it was felt that it may be a better solution for the
correspondence to be sent directly to Cllr Fraser. Cllr Fraser is going to
contact SSDC regarding this.
Some information that the Councillors have gained from the planning seminars
that they have attended was that NDDC are working to the basis that they
build 350 new houses every year until 2012.
2008/019 Reports from County and District Councillors
Cllr Cattaway – He reported that the increase in council tax for 08-09
is of 4.5% which is less then the previous year. This is because the settlement
that they were expecting from Government was 3.7million higher than expected,
although they are still the lowest funded council in the country.
The proposal to change the use of some of the day care centres was rejected
by full council. The one relevant to use would have been Rawson Court in
Gillingham.
At present the local people in Sturminster Newton are working to keep the
hydrotherapy pool open.
Cllr Cattaway also noted that the ditch in Burton Street was now filled in
and asked whether the Council were happy with the progress that has been
made there. The Council agreed that this was a good temporary solution with
the new kerbing scheduled for April/May 2008.
Cllr Dowden – He reported that there had been a 5% increase in levels
of the council tax element. He also noted about the verge outside the Post
Office and the stones were only a temporary measure until it is replaced
with kerbing.
Parish Councillors
Cllr Young reported that he had received a brochure regarding the grit bins
that are to be placed in the village and he had agreed the sites with NDDC.
The cost will be £370.50 +vat and the NDDC will come and fill them
for free. The sites are to be outside Marnhull Stores, in the carpark in
Burton Street and in the driveway of the Recreation Ground. All Councillors
were in agreement with this and it was proposed by Cllr Plummer and seconded
by Cllr Fraser. The Clerk will contact Jeremy Watson about putting an item
in the Marnhull Messenger, followed by a reminder in October or November.
Action Item 11/08.
Local Delivery - Cllr Bridger reported on Local Delivery and the issue of
street cleaning. A letter has been sent to Gillingham Town Council regarding
this and Cllr Bridger has just received an electronic reply.
He also noted that we have had no contact regarding the campaign to support
Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre. The Clerk to find out some more details
and pass onto Cllr Bridger. Action Item 12/08.
The Clerk also to find details out regarding the hydrotherapy pool in Sturminster
Newton so we can issue our support. Action Item 13/08.
Cllr Lawson enquired if a light cleaning of the drain covers could be added
onto the list of requirements.
Roads - Cllr Chant reported on the roads and noted that the notice for the
reduction in the speed limit by Church Corner had been advertised.
He also noted that the drains have all now been cleaned apart from the one
by the Blackmore Vale Inn as this has a broken pipe.
Footpaths – There has been a problem with the path at the end of Bat
Alley which has now been fixed. There is a larger problem with a path at
the end of Old Mill Lane and John Williamson will be in our area next week
to take a look at the path.
Cllr Chant also reported on the Cemetery as the Chairman had requested that
Councillors think about how things could be improved at the previous meeting.
He felt that the corner of the field and the driveway needs tidying up and
some plants putting in and also the driveway needs some more gravel and edging.
He also felt that the gates need fixing and locking as there is no need for
people to drive into the Cemetery. He also noted that it could do with some
more benches. He felt that the name did not need changing.
Cllr Neal noted that there is a footpath in Burges Close that does not seem
to go anywhere. Cllr Chant said that he would take a look.
Cllr Snow reported that he was unsure of the Council’s position with
regard to members of the public taking trees down in case they were injured,
and where the Council stands with regard to liability. The Chairman said
that it would be a good idea to have a site visit so as to identify these
risks and produce a risk assessment.
Recreation Ground - The issue of the Recreation Ground and its entrance
was again discussed and Cllr Lawson again reported that some coaches refuse
to go up the driveway as they feel it is too narrow. The Chairman has asked
the Fire Brigade and they are happy as long as the entrance is 10 feet wide,
which it is. They have said that next time they are in the area they will
drive up and see what they think. The Chairman noted dryly that even if they
cannot get the fire engine up the drive the hose will always reach.
Cllr Bridger noted that further research needed to be done before they could
decide either way and that it may be a good idea to do a feasibility survey
to look at the possibility of widening the entrance.
Cllr Fraser noted that if the gates and posts were moved a little further
up the drive then long vehicles may find it easier to turn in. Cllr Plummer
suggested that if we could widen the road at the end of the drive by taking
some of the land opposite the entrance. The Clerk to find out who this land
belongs to. Action Item 14/08.
The Chairman asked Mr Miller when the best time is for the resurfacing the
drive so as to not disrupt the use of the hall and the Recreation Ground.
Cllr Young said that it should only take around two days to complete the
work so it should not cause too many problems. Mr Miller did note that there
are two plaques, attached to the pillars at the main entrance. They would
need removing and re-siting elsewhere, in the event of the pillars being
removed. The Clerk to liaise with Cllr Young regarding the quotations.
Playarea - Cllr Plummer reported that the playarea will be opening Easter
weekend and the first date that was arranged was the 21st of March. Some
councillors pointed out that this might not be the best date as it was Good
Friday. After some discussion it was decided that Saturday 22nd March would
be the better date to have the opening. Cllr Plummer requested volunteers
to help with the running of the day. Any volunteers to contact herself or
Mrs Locke.
The Garden Club has very kindly volunteered to pay for the work to restore
the benches in the playarea. The Clerk to write a letter of thanks from the
Parish Council. Action Item 15/08.
Cllr Plummer showed the Council a design for a seat to go around the chesnut
tree in the Recreation Ground. The seat is going to be donated by Mrs Locke,
Mr Soul and Cllr Plummer and Mr Dodd has very kindly agreed to design and
make the seat. The Parish Council is very grateful to all of them for their
generosity.
Mrs Locke noted that she was meeting Mrs Curtis in the Recreation Ground
the next morning as she would like to donate a bench in remembrance of her
mother. Mrs Locke requested that if any Councillors were free to attend and
give their views on the best place for the bench, then the meeting would
be at 10am.
Cllr Plummer noted that she had received the Big Lottery Fund plaque to go
somewhere near the play area and ideas from Councillors as to the best place
would be welcome.
Cllr Plummer reported on the information she had gained regarding the teenage
shelter, which she had previously e-mailed around to all Councillors. The
Councillors discussed the design and suitable places where it could go. Cllr
Plummer explained the importance of placing a deposit soon as there were
not many left in stock. It was decided that she should get a comparative
quote from the company in Shaftesbury and then the Council would decide.
The Chairman proposed it in principal seconded by Cllr Bridger.
The issue of planning permission was discussed and the clerk to find out
from NDDC whether we would require this. Action Item 16/08.
It was also noted that the new shelter may alter our insurance premium as
well as the additional equipment in the playarea. The clerk to contact the
insurances to find out.
Action Item 17/08.
It was also noted that the play area inspection and the Skatepark inspection
have been booked in preparation for the opening. When the annual inspection
arises then we will get additional quotes for this from the company to compare
the prices with ROSPA. Cllr Snow noted that the gate to the playarea had
been vandalised and it had already been fixed.
The Headmistress from St Mary’s School had reported to Cllr Plummer
that their travel plan is nearly completed and that they are applying for
planning permission to replace an old portable classroom with a new one on
exactly the same site.
Skatepark – Mrs Sturges reported on the extremely worrying and dangerous
problem that has been experienced at the Skatepark. Recently glass has been
found broken and ground into the ramps on the Skatepark. Mrs Sturges brought
a tray full of glass that she had collected from the area and the amount
was extremely concerning for all the council. The obvious worry being that
children may fall and cut themselves on the glass. Mrs Sturges is personally
going to write to our MP and the Police. The Councillors discussed the best
way forward with this very dangerous problem. It was discussed whether we
could install CCTV cameras around the area. It was felt that the best way
forward was for the Clerk to find out some quotes on warning signs for users
of the Skatepark to help prevent an accident. Action Item 18/08.
The Councillors also felt that the Police should be informed of the situation
so they could be more vigilant when patrolling at night. The clerk to write
to our local officer and request that they attend an extra-ordinary meeting
of the Parish Council, to discuss the issues of anti-social behaviour and
additional security measures. Action Item 19/08.
Mrs Sturges very kindly agreed to discuss the problem with the Headteachers
of the two schools in the village to advertise the problem to the children.
Cemetery - Mr Plummer is planning to start the cutting this next weekend
weather permitting. The clerk had received a quote from someone who wished
to be considered for the job of grass cutting. The clerk to get the information
from the RFO regarding the amount we have paid over the previous year to
compare the prices. Action Item 20/08.
The Chairman of the Cricket Club has been in contact with the Chairman as
they want to renegotiate their contract with us. Again the clerk to confirm
with the RFO the figure we have paid for the previous year.
It was also noted that the hedges in Nash Lane have now been cut.
Mrs Locke passed around some information regarding the practice tennis wall
in the Recreation Ground. The Tennis Club do have some funds to go towards
it and they are going to try and get a grant for some of it. It was proposed
by Cllr Plummer that the Parish Council would make up any shortfall. This
was seconded by Cllr Chant.
Allotments – The Chairman had spoken with Mr Crocker regarding the
allotments and Mr Crocker had got several alterations that he wanted on the
contract. The clerk is to contact the solicitors to get the amendments done.
Action Item 21/08.
2008/020 Councillors Portfolios – The issue of a Human Resources Committee
was again put on hold due to the lateness of the time. It will be revisited
next month.
2008/021 Action Update
The Chairman gave an update on the Action List. Please see attached list
for information.
2008/022 Clerk’s Report
The Clerk reported that she had spoken to DAPTC who advised her that the
registration cost for her CILCA training course was increasing as from
the 1st April 2008. The Clerk asked whether the Council like her to register
now to avoid the increase. All Councillors were in favour of her registering
now.
2008/023 Correspondence
The Chairman read out the letters of correspondence that the Clerk had received.
He also asked for the consent of the Councillors to a resident scattering
the ashes of their relative in the Cemetery. This was agreed.
2008/024 Chairman’s Urgent Business
The Chairman reported that the Annual Parish Meeting will be held as always
in April and all Councillors are invited to attend as members of the public.
2008/025
Press Release
Cllr Plummer noted that the opening of the play area will be advertised
in the Western Gazette and the Blackmore Vale Magazine.
2008/026 Date of next meeting
The next Parish Council Meeting will be on Monday the 7th April 2008 in the
Village Hall at 7.00pm.
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Tuesday 22nd April 2008 in the
Village Hall at 7.00pm.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 10.30pm
Chairman………………………….
Date……………………..
| ACTION LIST: |
|
| 43/06 |
Mrs Locke to find out from the Tennis Club some more information
regarding a practice wall in the Recreation Ground. Mrs Locke. |
On going |
| 20/07 |
Quotations to be obtained for the wall at the entrance
to the Recreation Ground to be repointed and the notice board lowered. |
Clerk. |
| 25/07 |
To order the Village Hall Signs |
On hold until the playarea is completed. |
| 26/07 |
To obtain quotes for resurfacing of drive and car
park at Village Hall. |
Clerk – Completed. |
| 06/08 |
The Clerk to obtain some more quotations for the
work at the allotments. |
Clerk. |
| 10/08 |
Clerk to write to householders backing onto the
Recreation Ground regarding their respective rear entrances. |
Clerk. |
| 11/08 |
The Clerk to contact the Marnhull Messenger to inform
the residents of the village about the grit bins. |
Clerk. |
| 12/08 |
The Clerk to find out some details regarding the
campaign to keep Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre open and pass to Cllr
Bridger. |
Clerk. |
| 12/08 |
The Clerk to find out some details regarding the
campaign to keep Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre open and pass to Cllr
Bridger. |
Clerk. |
| 13/08 |
The Clerk to find out some details regarding the
issue of the closure of the Hydrotherapy pool in Sturminster Newton.
. |
Clerk |
| 14/08 |
The Clerk to find out who owns the land opposite
the entrance to the Recreation Ground. |
Clerk. |
| 15/08 |
The Clerk to forward a letter of thanks to the Garden
Club for their donation for fixing the bench in the playarea. |
Clerk. |
| 16/08 |
The Clerk to find out whether we require planning
permission to erect the teenage shelter in the Recreation Ground. |
Clerk. |
| 17/08 |
The Clerk to contact the insurance company to see
how the shelter would affect our premiums. |
Clerk. |
| 18/08 |
The Clerk to get some costings of warning signs
to go in the Recreation Ground regarding the broken glass on the Skatepark. |
Clerk. |
| 19/08 |
The Clerk to send a letter to the police to request
that they attend an extra-ordinary Council meeting to discuss the issues
of anti-social behaviour and additional security measures. |
Clerk. |
| 20/08 |
The Clerk to contact the RFO to gain the financial
information regarding the grass cutting in the Recreation Ground. |
Clerk. |
| 21/08 |
The Clerk to contact John Foster Pegg to get the
alterations to the contract for the Allotments dealt with, as quickly
as possible.. |
Clerk. |
