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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF DRONFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC HALL, DRONFIELD

ON MONDAY 1st JULY 2002 AT 7.30 pm

 

Present

Councillors G Baxter : D Cheetham (Town Mayor) : M Emmens : Mrs P England : N R Foster : J Gilbert : F Higgins : Mrs K Marr : W I Pryce : Mrs C A Smith : Mrs M Taylor : Mrs W Temple : J Williams : M Wing.

 

  1. Public Forum – for Planning Application Matters only

    2. Nothing raised.

     

  2. Apologies

    3. RESOLVED That apologies be received and accepted from Councillors M Brader and T Furniss.

     

  3. Youth Matters

    4. Members considered the Annual Report of Dronfield District Scout Council for the year ending 31st March 2002.

    RESOLVED That the report be received and noted.

     

  4. Police Matters

    1. Booklet outlining ways to reduce crime

      2. Members considered a booklet outlining practical ways of achieving crime reduction and increased community safety following the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

      RESOLVED That the information be received and noted.

    2. Other Police Matters

PC Crook had circulated the latest crime statistics for Dronfield offering comparison between June 2001 and June 2002. It was once again pointed out that thefts from motor vehicles could be reduced if residents used more care and removed radios and CD players from view. Most modern car radios have a front panel for easy removal to stop theft. Similarly, all valuables should be locked in the boot and not left on show, which invites crime.

PC Crook was asked to investigate the possibility of producing the crime statistics for the whole of North East Derbyshire broken down ward by ward. This schedule was presented three months ago and it would be worthwhile if the Members could have a quarterly report in that format.

PC Crook was made aware of the problem of horses and horse-riders using the footpaths and pavements throughout the town. This can cause a problem for young children and older residents being intimidated by large animals on the pavements, causes damage to the asphalt surfacing and horses tend to leave piles of excreta on the walkways. PC Crook said he would investigate and check whether some reports of "dangerous riding" could be prosecuted.

 

  1. Council Minutes

    2. Members considered the Minutes of the meeting of Dronfield Town Council held on 5th June 2002. (Pages 7 – 19)

    RESOLVED That with an additional resolution concerning correspondence from the Musicians Union stating that Dronfield Town Council required more information, and a possible meeting, that the Minutes be approved as a true and accurate record and that the Mayor be authorised to sign them as such.

     

  2. Matters Arising

    1. It was reported that obscene graffiti was still evident on the Dronfield Woodhouse play area. (Minute 18(a) refers)

    2. It was reported that Dronfield Town Council had now been granted a cinematography licence for showing films at the Civic Hall.

    3. Minute 30

RESOLVED That this Minute concerning Stonelow Pavilion be rescinded due to this item not being on the written notice of meeting, or on the agenda of the meeting held on 5th June 2002.

 

  1. Planning Matters

    1. Planning Applications (Appendix 1)

Members considered a schedule of planning applications supplied by North East Derbyshire District Council for comment and views.

Councillor D Cheetham expressed a non-pecuniary interest in application 00629/FL and did not speak or vote thereon.

RESOLVED That the following objections be submitted in respect of the following applications.

 

00624 – Relaxation of condition 2 of NED 1182/932 to allow conservatory sales at Ferndale Nursery and Garden Centre Ltd, Dyche Lane, Coal Aston, Dronfield

  1. That the proposal would lead to over commercialisation of a site within the green belt.

  2. That this condition has been ignored over the past months and years, and that the Enforcement Officer should have been aware of this fact.

 

Relaxation of condition 3 of NED 998/0622 to allow the use of workshop Unit 1 to Class B8 (storage) and retail use. Use of first floor above warehouse for retail use and relaxation of condition 9 to allow Sunday opening for retail use.

  1. It would create additional noise nuisance for adjacent residents.

  2. It would create serious highway and parking problems for local residents.

  3. It would create over commercialisation of a site on Sundays in a predominantly residential area.

 

    1. Schedule of Consents and Refusals

Members considered a schedule of planning decisions reached by North East Derbyshire District Council.

RESOLVED That the schedule be received and noted.

 

  1. Model Code of Conduct

    2. Members were reminded that they must register any changes to their Declaration of Interest, details of which had been given in the NALC leaflet contained at agenda item 14 of the Town Council agenda for the meeting held on 4th March 2002.

    RESOLVED That this information be received and noted.

     

  2. Town Clerk’s Progress Report

Members considered a report of the Town Clerk concerning the following matters.

 

    1. Gosforth Lodge

      2. Members were informed that progress is being maintained on the demolition and rebuilding work of the new Lodge.

      RESOLVED That the information be received and noted.

       

    2. Dronfield Gala

Members were informed of the arrangements in Cliffe Park for when the Gala and Fair will be held.

RESOLVED

  1. That the information be received and noted.

  2. That Messrs Percival be charged for any electricity consumed during their stay.

    1. Hanging Baskets

      2. Members were informed that these, together with window boxes for the Civic Hall had been erected and were being maintained by the Outside Services staff.

      RESOLVED That the information be received and noted.

       

    2. Bus Shelter

      3. Members were informed that a new bus shelter is to be erected adjacent to the Sports Centre, and that North East Derbyshire District Council had granted Dronfield Town Council a licence to use an area of their land for this installation at £1 per annum if so demanded.

      RESOLVED That the information be received and noted.

       

    3. Coal Aston Changing Rooms

Members were informed that this project was completed on 14th June 2002 and formally handed over by the contractor to Dronfield Town Council.

RESOLVED

  1. That the information be received and noted.

  2. That sites visit comprising Members be arranged.

  3. That a formal opening by the Town Mayor be arranged.

    1. Publications Received

RESOLVED That these be received and noted.

 

  1. Reports from Dronfield Town Council Representatives

    1. Civic Visit to Sindelfingen

Councillor Jon Williams presented a brief verbal report of the Civic Party’s visit to Sindelfingen for the 2002 Strassenfest 20th – 24th June 2002.

He informed the Council that the Thursday evening event where all guests were welcomed was attended by Sindelfingen’s other twin towns of Chelm, Sondrio, Schaffhausen, Torgau and Corbeil Essones. New friends and partnerships were established and the NED Wind Band was once again excellent at representing Dronfield in the European concept, proving themselves worthwhile ambassadors for the town.

On Friday a policy discussion forum was attended by all twinning delegates and given the opportunity to explain their own policies and financial outlooks for the future.

The Strassenfest was opened on Friday evening and, once again, the Town Twinning Federation did sterling work on staffing the stall which was well attended by international guests with English produce being sold together with leaflets and presentations of what Dronfield can offer visitors.

Councillor Williams informed the Council that the Civic party had been made most welcome and that the hospitality and friendships between the two towns had become increasingly important at forging links with our European partners.

RESOLVED

  1. That the report be received and noted.

  2. That a letter of appreciation be sent to the Oberburgermeister of Sindelfingen thanking him for his generous hospitality and friendship shown to the Civic Party and Deputy Town Mayor.

 

    1. Best Value Working Group

Councillor Foster gave a brief report on the work of the above Working Group and stated that the final Best Value Performance Plan for year 3 (2002/2003) had been finalised with every Member of the Council being furnished with a copy. The deadline of 30th June 2002 was met with notices being prominently posted inviting any resident or interested group to obtain their copy of the report.

RESOLVED

  1. That the report be received and noted.

  2. That Dronfield Town Council staff be thanked for all their hard work in producing this well presented report.

 

  1. Grant Aid

Members considered two requests for grant aid.

RESOLVED

  1. That a decision concerning grant aid to the Horticultural Society be deferred pending further details of their financial standing and balance sheets being produced.

  2. That a decision concerning grant aid to the Police Community Unit be deferred pending the receipt of an application form and a current balance sheet together with a request for aid for a specific purpose.

 

  1. Awards for All Roadshow

    2. Members were informed that North East Derbyshire District Council was to hold a free information event about the National Lottery small grants scheme Awards for All at Killamarsh Sports Centre on the evening of Wednesday, 3rd July 2002.

    RESOLVED That the information be received and noted.

     

  2. Derby and Derbyshire Waste Local Plan – First Deposit

    3. Members were informed that correspondence had been received from Derbyshire County Council stating that in conjunction with Derby City Council they were in a position to publish the First Deposit of the Derby and Derbyshire Waste Local Plan. It was pointed out however, that the plan referred to Derby mainly. Locally some problems will occur due to the current contract expiring in 2005 and landfill sites are running out, so alternatives may be sought that could include incineration.

    RESOLVED That the report be received and noted.

     

  3. Association of Larger Local Councils

    4. Members were informed that the autumn meeting of the ALLC Executive Meeting would take place on Friday 13th September 2002 and any Member Councils wishing to place an item on the agenda should notify ALLC no later than 31st August 2002.

    RESOLVED That the information be received and noted.

     

  4. Birches Fold

Members considered a request from Coal Aston Methodist Church who had requested the use of Birches Fold for an event to be held on August Bank Holiday Monday, 26th August. They had also requested the use of Birches Fold for car parking.

RESOLVED

  1. That Coal Aston Methodist Church be granted permission to hold an event on Birches Fold on 26th August 2002.

  2. That the lower car park at Coal Aston be available for public parking.

  3. That no parking whatsoever be permitted on the grassed areas adjacent to the play areas.

 

  1. Contact Cricket Club

Members considered a letter from Dronfield Sports Contact Cricket Club requesting the Council to help financially with the connection of services to their new tea pavilion.

RESOLVED

  1. That due to budgetary constraints no financial assistance be offered to the Contact Cricket Club for this project.

  2. That Dronfield Contact Cricket Club be informed that the landowner’s permission should be sought prior to any groundwork taking place, and an assurance given that all areas of grass and soil would be reinstated.

  3. That North East Derbyshire District Council be informed of the overgrowing tree adjacent to the Council’s Stonelow lower pavilion.

 

  1. Forward Plan

    2. Members considered North East Derbyshire District Council’s Forward Plan for the period 1st June 2002 to 31st October 2002 which contained all the key decisions to be taken over this period.

    RESOLVED That the information be received and noted.

  2. Dropped Kerbs

Members considered correspondence from the District Council, which had requested suggestions for dropped kerb crossings in the Dronfield area.

RESOLVED

  1. That the correspondence be received and noted.

  2. That North East Derbyshire District Council be informed that a suitable site for a dropped kerb is considered to be at the junction of Gomersal Lane and Gosforth Lane.

 

  1. Standing Orders

Correspondence had been received from the National Association of Local Councils who had provided a guide, in two parts, relating to Standing Orders.

Members had been asked if they wished to amend the Town Council’s Standing Orders to incorporate various new requirements such as those to be observed under the new Code of Conduct.

RESOLVED

  1. That the correspondence be received and noted.

  2. That a Working Group of this Council be convened to consider any amendments to the Council’s Standing Orders and report back to full Council.

 

  1. Stonelow Pavilion

    2. Members had been informed of development plans at land adjacent to Stonelow Pavilion and playing field. The Town Council wished to transfer a small triangular piece of land adjacent to Stonelow Pavilion to North East Derbyshire District Council and would, in exchange, be granted ownership of the lower storey of Stonelow Pavilion in exchange for no monetary cost to either authority.

    Members were also aware that Minute 30 relating to this proposal had been rescinded earlier in this meeting.

    RESOLVED That Dronfield Town Council formally agree to the exchange of a small triangular plot of land within the ownership of Dronfield Town Council situated adjacent to Stonelow Pavilion for the lower storey of Stonelow Pavilion which is within the ownership of North East Derbyshire District Council at no monetary consideration by either Council.

     

     

  2. Schedule of Payments (Appendix 2)

    3. Members considered a schedule of payments from the Council’s No 1 (Cashbook) in the sum of £396.80 and the No 1 (Bought Ledger) in the sum of £71,609.72.

    RESOLVED That the schedule of payments in the sum of £396.80 (Cashbook) and £71,609.72 (Bought Ledger) be noted and approved.

     

  3. Schedule of Receipts (Appendix 3)

    4. Members considered the schedule of receipts for the month of May 2002 in the sum of £319,367.26.

    RESOLVED That the schedule of receipts for the month of May 2002 in the sum of £319,367.26 be noted.

     

  4. Public Forum

    5. Mr Jock Keay personally congratulated Councillor Cheetham on his election to Town Mayor of Dronfield. He also welcomed the 20 mph Town Centre Road Safety Scheme, but thought that improved and more repeated 20 mph signs be erected to remind motorists of the limit.

     

  5. Exclusion of the Press and Public

    6. To move the following:

    That in accordance with the provision of S1 of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, as amended by S100 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council do now exclude the press and the public for the remaining items of the agenda by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, since publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest.

     

  6. Staffing Matters

A verbal report was presented to Members relating to an all party investigation panel held on Monday 1st July 2002 concerning a member of staff.

RESOLVED That the report be received and noted.

 

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 8.50 pm

 

 

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