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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF DRONFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
HELD IN GOSFORTH LODGE, CLIFFE PARK, DRONFIELD ON
MONDAY
7 JUNE 2010
The
Parish Charter:
Prior to the
meeting,
Under the Quality Council scheme of 2003, it recommended that parish charters should be initiated so that more meaningful working partnerships should be engendered between local Councils (Parish and Town) and the principal authorities of the area (District and County).
Under the Strong and Prosperous Communities legislation of 2006, it was emphasised that empowering local communities was the main platform of bringing power closer to the people via Town and Parish Councils and devolving some of the services and function performed by principal authorities to the local Councils. It would involve better consultation and better communications between the various authorities. Derbyshire County Council are not yet fully supporting the ideals of this latest legislation.
In the charter, there are 10 areas of mutual concern and the proposals have already been signed off by the Leader and Proper Officer of NEDDC.
The charter was considered at the last District/Parish Liaison Meeting and then each Parish/Town was asked to put the matter before the individual Town/Parish Councils.
The charter advocates that:
Authorities should respect each other’s roles.
They should employ better communications and liaison.
Offer general support and training via DALC and NEDDC.
Incorporate joint governance on agreed functions and services.
Improved consultation and participation to come up with better policies for the area.
Town and Parish Councils to be more involved in the process of Town and Country Planning and Planning matters in more detail.
To be more involved in identifying housing needs of the area particularly the need for social or affordable housing.
To be more closely involved in community planning.
To identify concurrent functions and recognise that some times “small is beautiful” and that local Councils can provide improved services for less overall cost to the Council Tax payer.
It is important to develop closer working partnerships to achieve the necessary savings.
It is hoped that the agreed Parish Charter can be implemented in North East Derbyshire by late summer.
Members thought that it was important to get DCC to the table and at least discuss some of the proposals in the charter.
It was agreed
that the three political leaders of this Council would liaise with the
The Town Mayor thanked both John and Brian for their illuminating presentation and said that it had given members a thorough insight to what could be possible by working in unison with sister authorities.
Present
Councillors: P Blackburn, (The Town Mayor): G Baxter: R Bembridge: R Bull: M Emmens: G Gregory: J McGrory: A Memmott: D Oxspring: Mrs B Skelton : Mrs C Smith: J Stocks: Mrs W Temple: S P Temple: A Winfrow: M Wing.
Public Forum on Planning Matters
No matters were raised.
Public Forum on General Matters
No matters were raised.
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. Councillor J McGrory declared a personal interest on item 5 of the Clerk’s report and Councillor S Temple declared a personal interest on item 6 of the Clerk’s report.
08/10-11 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Apologies
09/10-11 RESOLVED
That apologies for absence be received, noted and accepted from the following member, for the reasons stated in brackets.
Councillor Mrs K Marr (Other Business)
Youth Matters
The Town Mayor reported that he had recently visited the local Beaver’s Fun Day and was made most welcome. He stated that the kids were fantastic and had asked him several questions. It had made him appreciate just how much work and effort was expended by local volunteers and he asked that if any resident had got a few hours to spare, then there was lots of scope for them to put their spare time to good use by offering to help out.
10/10-11 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Police Matters
No police were in attendance at the meeting and it was reported that Inspector Waterfall had now left the division for a new posting at police HQ.
Last month’s crime statistics were not available for consideration but a member explained that he had been advised that there is a difference between “crime figures” and “incident figures” and this could be where the apparent discrepancy arises. It was suggested the figures presented to the Community Partnership could be provided to the Town Council on a quarterly basis and then trends could be identified. Neighbourhood Watch may have relevant incident figures and it was suggested that they be contacted for their input. It was reported that youths are congregating at Marsh Avenue Recreation Ground, causing some problems for local residents and it was thought the local PCSO’s be asked to attend and monitor the situation..
11/10-11 RESOLVED
That this report be received and noted and that the statistics presented to the Community Partnership are furnished to members on a quarterly basis.
Council Minutes
Members considered the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Tuesday 4th May 2010 (Pages 132-142).
12/10-11 RESOLVED
That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Dronfield Town Council held on 4th May 2010 be received, accepted and approved as a true record of events and that the Town Mayor be duly authorised to sign them as such.
Members considered the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on Monday 10th May 2010 (Pages 1-5).
13/10-11 RESOLVED
That with minor changes to the cycle of meetings for 2010/2011, the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Dronfield Town Council held on 10th May 2010 be received, accepted and approved as a true record of events and that the Town Mayor be duly authorised to sign them as such.
Planning Matters
Applications
Members considered a schedule of planning applications submitted by North East Derbyshire District Council for consideration and comment.
Reference
10/00445/FLH: Proposed detached garage for FOUR vehicles with garden store at
Highfield, Hilltop Road, Dronfield for Mrs J Mawsby
14/10-11 RESOLVED
That this application be objected to due to the proposed size of the development and that no decisions are taken 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
10/00492/OL: Outline application (appearance and landscaping reserved for
subsequent approval for the demolition of an existing dwelling and business
units and construction of SEVEN dwellings and associated road access at JMC
Aquatics Ltd, 59 Stubley Lane, Dronfield by Mrs J Flaherty.
15/10-11 RESOLVED
That this application be objected to due to the proposed size of the development and the impact a development of this size will have on surrounding amenities and that that no decisions are taken 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
10/00381/FL: Regrading of land to level two grass football pitches (major
development) at The AkademyLtd, Callywhite lane, Dronfield by Mr John Moseley.
16/10-11 RESOLVED
That this application be objected to due to the proposed major developments are within or just adjacent to the green belt at Frith Wood which is an area of outstanding local beauty. There is an abundance of wild life on this site and such a major development would have serious implications for the local environment. Light pollution on the current site already causes problems for the whole area. The Council also requested that no decisions are taken 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.
Planning Decisions
Members considered a schedule of planning decisions submitted by North East Derbyshire District Council for information.
17/10-11 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Outside
Services
It was reported that the planting beds have now all been cleared, weeded and prepared for the summer plantings that will take place over the next few days. The hanging baskets will also be installed following the bed planting. This will then involve a watering regime that will ensure that all the summer plantings retain their attractiveness over the summer months. Footpath strimming and the grass cutting regime will continue on a fortnightly basis until the middle of October. Litter and dog control bins are emptied and serviced weekly and bus shelters are cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. The improvements to Stonelow Road play area have now been finished and the area is well used with the children loving the new equipment. The park is locked at dusk and opened in the mornings. The fencing at Hilltop play area has now been finalised and a new gate has been ordered and this too will then be locked at dusk to alleviate vandalism. A meeting of the Properties Working Group will be convened shortly to consider proposals for further improvements
18/10-11 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Police Youth Diversion Initiative
Members had considered this matter at the last meeting and resolved to seek further information prior to making a decision. PCSO Lewis had been informed and requested to attend to give further details of the proposal. Members were reminded that last year £300 was awarded by this Council. Members also considered a letter from a local resident regarding this matter.
19/10-11 RESOLVED
That this report be received and noted and that the matter be deferred in order for the PCSO to attend and offer further clarification on how the award would be expended.
The Power of Well Being
Members were reminded that they would require formal training if the Council were to be successful in achieving this much sort after status. The only outstanding requisite for being awarded the power of well being is that 80% of the elected members of the Council MUST undergo a formal training programme. The training session has now been confirmed to be held in Dronfield Civic Hall at 6pm on THURSDAY 10 JUNE 2010. Refreshments will be available from 6pm and the training session will commence at 6.30pm and last for approximately 90 minutes.
20/10-11 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Traffic Calming Proposals in Dronfield
At the last meeting, members had resolved that a letter signed by all three political leaders be drafted and sent to the Director of Environmental Services at Derbyshire County Council concerning the level of traffic calming measures on Lea Road following concerns raised by a local resident. A letter of acknowledgement has since been received and it is hoped that County officers will shortly meet with members of the Road Safety Working Group. Members also considered other correspondence from a group of local residents living on Lea Road and members emphasised that this Council was not objecting to the traffic calming measures per se and that the initiative was at the request of this Council via its Road Safety Working Group but members had taken exception to the number of speed tables being proposed on Lea Road.
21/10-11 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Lest We Forget Association: Coal Aston
Members considered correspondence from Barbara Williams of the Lest We Forget Association of Coal Aston requesting the Council to give consideration to awarding a grant so that Coal Aston village can erect a war memorial to commemorate the fallen of Coal Aston. At a recent meeting which Councillors Emmens, Blackburn and McGrory attended, it was made apparent that local Coal Aston residents who had given their lives in defending this country were not included on the war memorial in the library gardens. Local residents now wish to erect a village cross and are currently organising fund raising activities to raise the estimated £2,000 that will be required. It was explained that the War Graves Commission had been contacted and supplied a listing of names that would be incorporated on a 8 feet high stone memorial cross situated on Cross Lane and it is then hoped that service of remembrance could be held at 2pm on Remembrance Sunday for local villagers to attend and pay their respects. The listing of Coal Aston residents who had given their lives were not included on the Town’s War memorial in the Library Gardens.
22/10-11 RESOLVED
That this report be received and noted and that a grant of £500 (Five Hundred Pounds) be awarded under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972.
Dronfield District Scout Council
Members considered correspondence informing that the Annual General Meeting of the Dronfield District Scouts will be held at 7.30pm on 15 June 2010 at Wreakes Lane Headquarters and all members are invited to attend.
23/10-11 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Publications Received
Members considered a schedule of publications that have been received and are available at the Town Council Offices for perusal.
24/10-11 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Statement of Accounts and Annual Return for the Year Ended 31 March 2010
Members
considered the Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2010 which are
in full accordance with the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in
Great Britain and fulfil all the requirements of regulation 4(2) of the
Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 as amended by the Accounts and Audit
(Amendment) (England) Regulations 2006 in relation to the publishing of a
statement of internal control. Members also considered the Council’s Annual Governance
Statement which replaces the Statement
of Internal Control which was incorporated following the 2006 amendments
together with the Council’s and the
Members were advised that the accounts show a healthy balance on the general fund of £195,375 at 31st March 2010 compared to a balance figure of £225,987 at 31 March 2009 but both years’ balance figures included capital ear marked reserves for future capital projects. During the year, a net overspending of £51,426 was made and this figure is reflected in a reduced contribution to the overall reserves. The overspend resulted from a contribution of £30,000 towards the Sindelfingen Park project plus higher spending on highways (bus shelters and seats) together with reduced income of £10,000 mainly due to lower interest paid on bank balances.
25/10-11 RESOLVED
That this
statement of accounts for the year ended 31 March 2010 be received and approved
as a true and accurate record of the Council’s financial affairs and that the
Town Mayor and the
26/10-11 RESOLVED
That the Annual
Governance Statement at Page 5 be duly approved and that the Town Mayor
and the
27/10-11 RESOLVED
That the Statement
of Responsibilities on Page 6 be duly approved and that the
28/10-11 RESOLVED
That the Annual Return which summarises the statement of accounts be received and approved and that this Annual Return be submitted to the Audit Commission for external audit under the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003.
Schedule of Payments
Members considered a schedule of payments for the month of April 2010 in the amount of £77,653.29 paid from the Council’s No 1 account.
29/10-11 RESOLVED
That the schedule of payments in the amount of £77,653.29 for the month of April 2010 be received and noted for information.
Schedule of Receipts
Members considered a schedule of receipts for the month of April 2010 in the amount of £430,328.24 paid into the Council’s No 2 account.
30/10-11 RESOLVED
That the schedule of receipts in the amount of £430,328.24 for the month of April 2010 be received and noted for information.
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