Jan 06

Council meeting minutes: February 2006

Minutes of the Meeting of Old Bolsover Town Council held at 6.45pm on Tuesday 14th February 2006 at the Town Hall, Cotton Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield

Present:

Coun. R Bowler – Chair

Councillors L. Anderson, T Bennett, K. Bowman, D. Bratt, J Dixon,

E. Elwell, T. Rodda, J. Woodhead

In attendance:

D Kee – Town Clerk

P.C. Cheetham

Derbyshire Times Reporter

Open ForumNo members of the public were present.

76. Apologies for absence

Apologies were received from Councillor J Timmins.

77. Members’ Interests

Members were reminded by the Chair of the need to complete the Register in-keeping with the Town Clerk's letter.

78. Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 10th January 2006 were presented as circulated.

Resolved

That the above minutes be accepted as a true record subject to the following:-

The minutes of the meeting held on 17th January 2006 were presented as circulated subject to the following

In Attendance - Councillor T Bennett

Item 8 - Allotment Clearance Service

Delete Councillor Rodda "took no part in the discussion"

79. Police Matters

The parking of private hire vehicles on Bolsover Hill was referred to. The Constable explained he had no knowledge of any problem but promised to investigate.

Parking of vehicles and the continuing use of the Cenotaph area by vehicles was referred to. The Constable explained that fixed penalty notices were being used and that no vehicles were being singled out for special attention.

A clarification statement in respect of private hire vehicles and the justification of taxi rank privileges was made.

Continued use of the Stockley Trail by quad bikes and possible travellers' use of the route was referred to.

The Police Constable explained the issue of intended notice of prosecutions procedure in respect of quad bikes. Any use of the site by travellers was not known to the police.

Clarification of police activity at the Cross Keys Public House was sought.

The Police Constable explained that based on intelligence received, the premises had been visited to investigate alleged drug misuse. No evidence of such activity had been found.

Incidents of police not attending requests to attend the Assembly Hall were referred to.

The Constable promised to pass on the concerns expressed.

The Constable gave crime figures for the Parish based upon a proviso that more detailed and related relevant information would be provided later.

96 crimes were recorded for the period.

7 crimes were detected during the same one month period to 14th January 2006.

The Constable was asked about a crime of arson. He explained this was in respect of a shed fire which had occurred at Springfield Crescent.

Resolved

The information be noted and the Constable thanked for his time in attending.

80. Town Clerk’s Report

(1)Bainbridge Hall

The Clerk advised that a grant of £11,000 or so had been secured by the C.E.D. Team and Management Committee to carry out disabled access works, as well as works to the fire escape.

ResolvedThe receipt of a grant and associated works be noted.

(2)Assembly Hall

The Clerk referred to the Police request in respect of trespass.

Resolved

This matter be referred into Committee.

The Clerk explained that complaints had been received regarding the standard of heating to the main hall during the recent cold spell. It was proposed that two fan assisted radiators be installed.

Also that a maximum 50%, £850 grant was likely in respect of the replacement of a gothic style window to the Main Hall.

Resolved

(1)The necessary monies be allocated from capital reserves to install new design radiators.

(2)The necessary monies be allocated from capital reserves to supplement any historic grant received. The works be subsequently placed with the lowest quotation supplied, Jet Joinery of Sutton in Ashfield.

(3)Security Fence, Middle Street Properties - rear of Market Square

The Clerk outlined discussions with the present building owner and the agreement reached to subsequently maintain a fence provided by Community Partnership Funds.

Resolved

The actions of the Clerk be supported and a formal maintenance agreement prepared by the District Council be offered to the owner for signature.

(4)Market Square Development

The Clerk referred to the sketch plans made available by Holymoor Developments, the site's preferred developer.

Resolved

(1)The Council approve the sketch plans provided.

(2)The plans be shared with neighbouring property owners and that all necessary and appropriate actions be taken to secure the acceptance of the plans' intentions by all parties.

(3)A meeting scheduled to take place between the District Council's Conservation Officer and the Developers on Thursday 21st February 2006 be noted.

(4)Approval be given for the developers to arrange an archaeological survey of the site, under the directions of D.C.C. and the control of Sheffield University. An inventory of all findings by Sheffield University, together with digital photographic images be provided to the Council.

(5)The developer be invited to provide terms of lease in respect of the proposed development and the Council, subject to approval of these terms, and planning approvals, agree to the future development of the site by Holymoor Developments.

(5)Cenotaph, Bolsover Market Place

The Clerk explained that a meeting had now been arranged with a representative of the DCC Highways, 24th February 2006 and that the authority had agreed to fund the installation of bollards.

Resolved

The Clerk meet with a representative of DCC highways and agree the siting positions of appropriate bollards, so as not to prejudice use of the area by disabled persons and the siting of market stalls.

(6)Market Town Steering Group

The Clerk advised that the Group met for the last time on the 23rd January 2006. However it was proposed that under the control of the Town Council, meetings should continue to take place around 3 times a year.

Resolved

The Town Council develop a Town Centre Management and Development Group based upon a wide representative group. The Clerk to write to all interested parties regarding this change and inviting their participation.

(7)Hornscroft Beacon Park Partnership

The Clerk explained the Action Plan timescale and the Commission Brief for a Renaissance Development Scheme providing for a clear future vision of the park.

Resolved

(1)The draft brief proposals be supported.

(2)The necessary brief funding contribution of £5000 be made available to the Accountable Body, Bolsover District Council.

(3)That minutes of all Partnership Meetings be provided to the Town Council.

(4)The action plan be supported.

(8)Bus Shelters

The Clerk referred to the Council's ownership and responsibilities for 18 bus shelters and the high levels of vandalism being suffered.

Further that if all repairs were carried out, an estimated total of £19,000 would be required.

Resolved

(1)The present repair budget be used to carry out a schedule of "priority" repairs.

(2)That shelters do not receive further repair attention if damaged again, within 5 years of refurbishment spending.

(3)That only approved vandal resistant repair materials be used.

(4)That the DCC Passenger Transport Unit be requested to grant fund a replacement Shelter at Hill Top, opposite New Street and that subject to a satisfactory response, a capital budget be set for 2007/2008.

(9)Web and Newsletter

The Clerk advised that the Council's internet web publication would be available by June 2006.

It was proposed that the title of "Town Cryer" be used for the associated Council Newsletter.

Resolved

(1)The Council's Web development and on-line date be noted.

(2)The Council's newsletter be titled "Bolsover Town Cryer".

(10)Winter Festival and Lights

The Clerk referred to the Winter Festival future funding possibilities.

Resolved

The matter be referred into Committee.

(11)Use of email and introduction of broadband

The Clerk explained a move towards email communication and the need to adopt broadband to minimise future web and internet use costs.

Resolved

(1)The Council adopt a greater use of email communications, wherever possible to conduct its affairs.

(2)That a broadband network service be introduced utilising the services of British Telecommunications in-keeping with the overall supply of phone services. That future costs be reviewed and compared as appropriate.

(12)Workforce

The Clerk advised on the progress of the Winter Works Programme and an increased emphasis on the inspection of work sites, including Community Halls, to protect public safety. In addition, the Clerk advised that children's playground safety needs would be reviewed once membership of the partnership working had been established.

Resolved

(1)The emphasis on site inspections and public safety be supported.

(2)The progress of the Winter Works Programme be noted.

(3)That playground equipment safety standards be reviewed as a priority of partnership working.

(13)The Clerk commented on the number of incidents occurring at the Assembly Hall.

Resolved

The report be noted and all appropriate action be taken to prevent damage to the Assembly Hall. The benefits of the proposed CCTV extension scheme 2006/07 budget be acknowledged.

81. Correspondence Received

1.E-mail from DALC requesting that the Council give permission for its inclusion in the DALC Web Site which is currently being developed.

Resolved

Permission be granted for the Council's inclusion in the DALC Web Site.

2.Letter from New Bolsover Primary /Nursery School regarding use of Bainbridge Hall in the event of a "critical incident" at the school.

Councillor R Bowler declared a level 1 interest in this matter.

Resolved

The use of Bainbridge Hall by New Bolsover Primary School in the event of a "critical incident" be accepted and supported.

3.Letter from Derbyshire County Council, temporary closure of public footpath number 8, Back Hills, to facilitate rebuilding of walls to 55 High Street, Bolsover.

Resolved

The temporary closure of footpath number 8, Surprise View, be noted.

4.DALC Circular 06/2006 - 2006 Awards Launch, Clerk & Council of the Year.

Resolved

No action be taken this year but given the levels of progress made the Council consider an application in 2007.

5.DALC Circular 07/2006 - 2 day training course.

Resolved

The course be noted.

6.DALC Circular 08/2006 - Pension & Gratuity payments for the Clerk.

Resolved

The scheme arrangements be noted.

Additional

7.Letter from D.C.C. regarding the Waste Management Strategy Consultation Exercise and the County Council's view and planning application seeking to establish a household waste recycling centre on the Coalite Site at Buttermilk Lane.

Resolved

The matter be pursued, as appropriate, to clarify the County Council's future intentions and timescale.

8.DALC Circular 09/2006.

8.1VAT payment mileage and the internet.

Resolved

(1)The Council duly resolved that in circumstances relating to a particular purchase, antivirus software or similar, the Town Clerk and Financial Officer be allowed to use their personal credit card and that a single specific cheque be drawn on the Council's account to reimburse the Clerk based upon satisfactory downloaded invoice evidence. That a VAT invoice to obtained addressed in the name of the contracted officer of the council, i.e. Town Clerk, supported by evidence that the action was carried out on behalf of the Council. That such purchase be subject to the usual financial regulations payment control and evidence of purchase and where payment can not be made in any other way.

(2)The Clerk support all future mileage claims from March 2006 with VAT invoices paid in the claim period. That the VAT element be reclaimed as allowed within Section 33 (VAT126) non business claim or a register trader's return.

8.2 Awards for All

Resolved

The address and contact details be noted and referred to in respect of a suitable Winter Festival and Lights Grant for 2006.

8.3Borrowing Approval

Resolved

The revised scheme arrangements be noted.

8.4Training Workshops and Courses available from DCC

Resolved

The clerk establish if courses can be made available for employees engaged in or requiring training in First Aid Awareness, use of trailered vehicles and licence enhancement etc within the 2006/07 budget available, and that employees subsequently attend any courses available.

9.Letter from Bolsover District Council regarding the appointment of a temporary Monitoring Officer.

Resolved

The contents of the letter be noted.

10.Letter from Clowne and District Community Transport regarding changes to user charges.

Resolved

The report be received.

11.Letter from Bolsover District Council regarding the refusal of planning permission to demolish existing dwelling and erection of 4 dwellings, 82 Clowne Road, Stanfree by Mr Faulkener.

Resolved

The refusal be noted.

12.Letter from Graham Wright regarding the Winter Lights Display.

Resolved

The letter be acknowledged and referred to the Winter Festival and Lights' Committee.

82.Planning

1.05/00787/FULMAJErection of cattle shed and grain store at Oxcroft Farm, Oxcroft Lane, Derbyshire by Mr M Knights

Resolved

No objection.

2.06/00012/FULSingle storey extension to side of 64 Ridgedale Road, Bolsover

by Mr and Mrs Spencer.

Resolved

No objection.

3.06/00018/FULErection of storage building 79 New Station Road, Bolsover

by Mr James Retallic

Resolved

No objection.

4.06/00041/TPO30% crown reduction on a Whitebeam tree at 58 Portland Avenue, Bolsover by P Lakin - Grounds Maintenance & Cleansing Manager

Resolved

No objection.

5.06/00048/FULErection of conservatory to rear of 17 Owlcotes View, Bolsover

by Mr C M Moore

Resolved

No objection.

6.06/00056/TPOPollard 1 Tree (BOL/32) 26 Moor Lane, Bolsover by F Shaw

Resolved

No objection.

7.CW5/0106/163Proposed importation and deposition of waste materials, Oxcroft Farm, Oxcroft Lane, Bolsover for Mr Knights.

Councillor J Dixon declared a level 1 interest in this matter.

Resolved

A letter requesting clarification of the materials deposited be sent to Derbyshire County Council. The County Council also be advised that the Council wishes to be involved in any future site meeting and/or committee discussion.

8.CD5/0106/166Proposed provision of a wheelchair lift to give access to all floor levels, Bolsover Library, Church Street, Bolsover for Derbyshire County Council.

Councillor J Dixon declared a level 1 interest in this matter.

Resolved

No objection.

With the approval of the meeting the Chair presented two additional applications.

9.CM5/0106/161Proposed recover of coal, Oxcroft Stocking Grounds, Mill Lane, Stanfree by

UK Coal Mining Ltd for DCC.

Councillor J Dixon declared a level 1 interest in this matter.

Members voted unanimously against the proposal

Resolved

(1)A letter be sent to DCC stating the reasons for not supporting the application as follows:

1.1.Outcome of previous public enquiry.

1.2.Environmental impact.