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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF DRONFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DRONFIELD CIVIC
HALL,
CIVIC CENTRE, DRONFIELD ON
Present
Councillors: F Higgins, (The Town Mayor):
G Baxter: R Bull: M Emmens: J McGrory: A Memmott: D Oxspring: Mrs C Smith: J Sorrill: Mrs W Temple: S P
Dronfield Rotary 2000 Walks Society
Prior to the meeting, Robert Greetham and Des Dunkerly of the above society gave a brief presentation to members of what the society had achieved over the past 10 years and what their future aspirations were. The walk had started with a 14 miles walk around the town but had since been improved by adding “linked walks” to the circular trip thereby encouraging local people to walk.
The majority of the walks and footpaths are now clearly marked and walkers are able to create their own itinerary on the network. The society would now like to install metro signs detailing the route of the walks along the network at a cost of over £700. It was explained that this Council may be able to claim up to £500 from Derbyshire County Council under the Minor Maintenance Scheme and this would be progressed. The Rotary Club had also awarded a £1,000 grant but this could only be drawn down by £100 per annum over the next 10 years. Due to the health aspects of the initiative, it was questioned whether the PCT may be able to offer financial assistance to this community project.
Robert and Des were thanked for their briefing and advised that members would consider their request for funding later in the meeting
Public Forum on Planning Matters
No items were raised.
Public Forum on General Matters
Mr & Mrs Pudlovski of
Mrs Ingham reported that broken glass and bottles had been reported on the High Street over the festive period and that drinkers were still seen leaving the local public houses with glasses in their hands. She left three DVD’s containing images of broken glass in the streets for member’s attention and consideration.
Model Code of Conduct
Members were reminded that any changes to their Declaration of Interests should be declared. Members were also advised to declare, at this point, any items of the agenda where they may consider themselves to have a particular or prejudicial interest in the matter to be conducted.
143/09-10 RESOLVED
That this report be received and noted and
that the declaration of a personal interest by
Apologies
144/09-10 RESOLVED
That apologies for absence be received, noted and accepted from the following members, for the reasons stated in brackets.
Councillor G Gregory (other business)
Councillor Mrs K Marr (other business)
Councillor P Blackburn (other business)
Councillor I Pryce (Illness)
Councillor J Stocks (other business)
Councillor M Wing. (other business)
Councillor Mrs B Skelton (other business)
Youth Matters
The Chair of the Youth Council Working Group referred to the last meeting of Council when it was agreed that the Town Council Youth elections not be proceeded with due to a lack of interest but thought that the way in which this was reported in the local media was poor and that it should have been more accurate and circumspect and less sensational.
The question of the provision of a skateboard park was raised by a member and it was reported that various locations had been looked at but no suitable site could be identified.
145/09-10
RESOLVED
· That these reports be received and noted.
· That the provision of a skateboard park be placed on the next agenda of the Properties Working Group for further consideration
Police Matters
Inspector Waterfall attended the meeting and spoke about crime trends and said these were available in more detail on the police website where individual areas could be analysed more clearly. The local police team has produced the crime statistics for December 2009 which showed said that burglaries for non dwellings was up but that most of the other crimes were much lower than other areas and that Dronfield remains a safe secure place in which to live and work. In answer to member’s questions, Inspector Waterfall responded that there had been no adverse reports concerning anti social behaviour in the town over the festive period and that there had been no major problems. Members also questioned whether the SNT (Safer Neighbourhood Teams) were getting a skewed vision of where to look and what to prioritise in the town regarding incidents and perceptions of crime. The inspector responded that they had to follow national guidelines using the same tick sheet as other forces in determining priorities, but he would look at the matter in greater. It was reported by members that PCSO Richard Lee continued to offer a good community service to Dronfield and that he was a great advertisement for the police service and should be congratulated publicly.
146/09-10 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Council Minutes
Members
considered the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on
147/09-10 RESOLVED
That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting
of Dronfield Town Council held on
Planning Matters
Applications
Members considered a schedule of planning applications submitted by North East Derbyshire District Council for consideration and comment.
Reference
09/00639/FL: Construction of two detached two story houses with integral
garages, construction of a detached single garage to serve existing bungalow,
alterations to existing southern vehicular access, widening of existing
northern vehicular access and alterations to front boundary wall. (Adjacent to
Conservation Area)(Amended Title)(Amended Plans)(Additional Information) at 30
Northern Common by Mr D Inman.
148/09-10 RESOLVED
That members considered these changes and additional
information to be confusing and that the objections listed below at the last
meeting of Council be reconfirmed to the
planning authority.
· That this application be formally objected to on the following grounds:
· The access and visibility splays onto Northern Common will lead to an increased danger for road users at this section of the highway due to blind bends on the approach.
· That the two proposed dwellings will be overbearing in nature and will not fit in with the existing street-scene of houses on Longcroft Road which are varied in appearance.
· That the boundary wall and adjacent mature trees are a feature of the conservation area and any changes would be detrimental.
· That the site is an active wildlife habitat where bats are domiciled and badgers are reported to have been seen.
· That NEDDC make no decisions regarding this application until a site visit by the planning committee has taken place and that the application is discussed by the full planning committee.
Reference
08/01064/LB: Reference 08/01065/LB: Conversion and renovation of medieval barn
and erection of a single story ancillary building for community use (Listed
Building/Conservation Area)(Amended Plans) and Application for a Listed
Building consent for alterations in connection with conversion and renovation
of medieval barncommunity use (Listed Building/Conservation Area)(Amended
Plans) at The Old Barn High Street by Peel Centre Charitable Trust.
148/09-10 RESOLVED
That members wish to re-affirm their
previous comments which are noted as below:
That these applications be objected to until the Planning Committee of North East Derbyshire District Council have conducted a site visit to fully examine and investigate the proposals prior to making any decision. Members were seriously concerned that access to/from the High Street should not be allowed at the front of the building and also had reservations about the extent of the scope of the ancillary building that may have serious implication on the heritage value of the site in particular and the conservation area in general.
Members also resolved, that as the High Street conservation area and its important heritage value is important to the town as a whole, that when a site visit is arranged, all members of Dronfield Town Council who sit on the planning committee of NEDDC be invited to join the site visit and not just the individual ward members of Dronfield South Ward.
Planning Decisions
Members considered a schedule of planning decisions submitted by North East Derbyshire District Council for information.
149/09-10 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
1.
Outside Services
Outside Services staff have been kept busy doing their usual tasks throughout the town which include:
· Bus shelter cleaning and disinfecting on a fortnightly basis.
· Litter and dog bins being emptied and serviced on a weekly basis.
· Play area safety/graffiti inspections on a weekly basis.
Some vandalism damage was caused by youths rampaging along Pentland Road over one weekend when three bus shelters (16 sheets of glass) were broken. The broken glass was quickly removed and repairs made by our own staff. The police were notified as a matter of course.
All the grit bins in the town (both those owned by Dronfield Town Council and those owned by the County) were filled before the inclement weather struck and have since been refilled.
150/09-10 RESOLVED
· That this report be received and noted.
· That a review of salt acquisition and storage is carried out prior to next winter.
· That a formal service level agreement between this Council and Derbyshire County Council be investigated to ensure a better road gritting service is performed in Dronfield.
· That this Council’s website shows updates of where and when salt bin filling has taken place to better inform residents of the situation.
2.
Dronfield Town Twinning Federation
Members considered the minutes of the last meeting of the Town Twinning Federation held on 2 December 2009 and had been circulated to every member for information.
151/09-10 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
3.
Business Improvement District: Callywhite Lane
Members were informed that EDDC is making a funding application for a Business Improvement District grant for the Callywhite Industrial Estate in Dronfield. The three political leaders of this Council have all signed the attached letter of support for this initiative.
152/09-10 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
4.
Coal Aston Cricket Club
Members considered correspondence had from the Coal Aston Cricket Club outlining their proposals and plans for improvements to the facilities which they can offer to their own members and to affiliated clubs who gain some of the benefits. This year’s plans include the construction of an artificial wicket with side-screens and they have received a grant of £10,000 from Sport England for the wicket only. The total cost will be in the region of £23,000 to £25,000. The cricket club are seeking financial assistance by way of grant and have approached all three local councils in this area.
153/09-10 RESOLVED
That this report be received and noted and that this matter be referred to the Awards Panel for consideration at the next meeting.
5.
Anti Social Behaviour in the Town
Members were reminded that at the last meeting, two letters regarding licensing problems/ anti social behaviour caused by alcohol were considered by members. One local public spirited licensee has responded positively to the Council’s letter and his response was considered by members. He has stated that in addition to his normal staffing levels over the festive season, he will employ an extra member of staff at each venue to patrol the outside areas hoping to prevent any glasses or bottles being removed from his premises. He also alluded to gangs of 14-15 year old local youths hanging around the Civic Centre drinking from bottles and cans that had obviously been acquired illegally. This matter has been reported to the local police officers for their attention.
154/09-10 RESOLVED
· That this report be received and noted and that the actions of the local licensee be applauded.
· That this Council’s appreciation of his efforts be recorded.
· That Mr Gage be written to and thanked for his community minded efforts.
6.
District Scout HQ at Wreakes Lane
Members considered correspondence from the Scouts District chairman regarding the trees screening the scouts HQ on Wreakes Lane which are now very overgrown. A quotation to carry out remedial work on the row of Leylandi trees to halve their height and spread has been received which puts the cost at around £1,000. A request for financial assistance to meet some of the cost was incorporated in the letter.
155/09-10 RESOLVED
That this report be received and noted and that this matter be referred to the Awards Panel for consideration at the next meeting.
7.
Casual Vacancy: South Ward
Members were informed that notice has now been given by the elections officer at NEDDC that the time and date for a bye election for the above casual vacancy has been set for Thursday 4 February 2010. The relevant notices have been posted on all notice-boards in the ward and nomination packs are available at the Town Council offices. As this bye election in South Ward will not coincide with any other elections (District or County) the full cost of the election will fall upon this Council. The elections officer has asked whether election polling cards are required to be sent to every elector in the ward prior to the elections.
156/09-10 RESOLVED
· That this report be received and noted.
· That North East Derbyshire District Council’s Elections Officer be notified that this Council would wish for polling cards to be made available for this bye election.
8.
County
Councillor Representation at Town Council Meetings
Members were reminded that at the last meeting of Council, this item was raised by a member of the public asking if the two local County Councillors could be “given a slot” or invited to attend to present a briefing on what the County Council is doing for the town. If members were to agree to this, it would have to be decided how the process would work. A slot could be provided prior to the meeting proper but current standing orders would preclude any person other than elected members of this Council addressing the meeting unless a motion to suspend standing orders was made on every occasion.
157/09-10 RESOLVED
That this report be received and noted and that both the two County Councillors be invited to attend meetings of this Council and be sent the relevant notices and agendas.
9.
Mayoral Allowance and Civic Insignia
Members discussed this item at the last meeting of Council and it was referred to a meeting of the Budget Working Group which comprises the Council’s three political leaders. At a meeting held on 21 December 2009, these matters were considered at some length. It was emphasised that if such an allowance was to be agreed it would not impact on the provision of school milk for primary scholars which this Council continue to fund.
158/09-10 RESOLVED
a. That this report be received and noted
b. That this Council make provision for the grant of a Mayoral Allowance, in the sum of £500 to commence in the financial year of 2010/2011.
c. That quotations be sought for the provision of a Past Mayor’s Badge which will encompass the Town Crest and will recognise all past living Town Mayors since 1974.
Councillors Graham Baxter and Mrs Christine Smith wished for their votes AGAINST item (b) above be recorded.
3.
Publications Received
Members considered a schedule of publications that have been received and are available at the Town Council Offices for perusal.
159/09-10 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Budget Estimates 2001/2011
The
Members considered Spreadsheet S1 which showed that the revenue expenditure is now projected to be £625,164 against a budgeted figure of £589,188. In addition to the revenue expenditure overspends, the projected income figures were £14,835 lower than budgeted for and the main reasons for this are as follows:
Civic Hall (101) -£5,400 due to falling bookings
Cliffe Park (106) -£3,000 due to falling bookings MUGA
Corporate Management (121) -£6,600 due to non existent interest earnings
The overspend on expenditure and the reduced income levels initially looked likely to produce an imbalance between budget and forecast of £51,674 in total.
Spreadsheet
Sheet 2 identified the results of the forecast
overspend. The 2009/23010 budget figures allowed for the reserves to be at
£172,101 at 1 April 2009 and to increase marginally by £1,178 to £173,279 but the projected
figures show that the starting balance in reserve at 1 April 2009 was ACTUALLY £204,260 and when this
year’s overspend is taken into account, the balances at the end of the year are
projected to be £153,764 which is only
£19,515 lower than the budgeted
figure of £173,279.
Members were advised that a balanced budget showing a net expenditure figure of £782,915 would therefore require a precept of £783,000 in order to maintain the balances at a necessary level and that a precept of £783,000 would represent an increase of 1.9% over last year’s precept and equate to £104.58 per annum for the Band “B” equivalent household in Dronfield.
160/09-10 RESOLVED
· That this report be received and noted.
· That the precept to be levied on North East Derbyshire District Council be set at £783,000 for the financial year of 2010/2011
Schedule of Payments
Members considered a schedule of payments for the month of November 2009 in the amount of £76,668.90 paid from the Council’s No 1 account.
161/09-10 RESOLVED
That the schedule of payments in the amount of £76,668.90 for the month of November 2009 be received and noted for information.
Schedule of Receipts
Members considered a schedule of receipts for the month of November 2009 in the amount of £13,106.93 paid into the Council’s No 2 account.
162/09-10
RESOLVED
That the schedule of receipts in the amount of £13,106.93 for the month of November 2009 be received and noted for information.
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