|
|
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF DRONFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DRONFIELD CIVIC HALL
,DRONFIELD ON MONDAY
5 JULY 2010
Prior to the meeting, The Leader of the
Council made a personal statement in which he congratulated Councillor
Councillor Baxter responded by thanking the
Leader for his good wishes and recalled
some advice he has received in 1975 to move to Dronfield. He thinks that
Dronfield is a fantastic place in which to live and work and that he is proud
to have been able to serve the town over so many years.
Present
G Baxter: R Bull: F Higgins: Mrs K Marr: J McGrory: A Memmott: D Oxspring: Mrs B Skelton : Mrs C Smith: J Sorrill: S P Temple: A Winfrow:
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 S Temple declared a personal
interest on item 2 of the Planning Consultations and Item 7 of the
31/10-11 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Apologies
32/10-11 RESOLVED
That apologies for absence be received, noted and accepted from the following member, for the reasons stated in brackets.
Councillor: P Blackburn (Other Business)
Councillor: R Bembridge (Other Business)
Councillor: M Emmens (Other Business)
Councillor: G Gregory (Other Business)
Councillor: J Stocks (Other Business)
Councillor: Mrs W Temple (Other Business)
Councillor: M Wing. (Other Business)
Youth Matters
Members considered the annual report of the Dronfield District Scout Council, reports from the District Commissioner and various reports from local scouting sections in the town.
The Town Mayor had recently visited the scouts at their AGM and had been thanked for the Council’s kind donation in assisting to have the large trees pruned at Wreakes Lane. It was reported that the scouting movement was still strong and widely supported but that membership had diminished slightly over the past few years. It was reported that the Dronfield Community Partnership had also identified “activities for youth” and the provision of a “wheeled play area” as one of their priorities in the Action Plan Review.
33/10-11 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Police Matters
No police were in attendance at the meeting but last month’s crime statistics had been made available for members to consider which were welcomed as being helpful. The Deputy Leader reported that a recent altercation at Hilltop between two factions arguing over “their territory” had involved the police but when he had tried to alleviate residents’ concerns by asking the police for reassurance on two visits to Dronfield Police Station, neither enquiry had solicited a response from a senior officer despite him leaving his contact details on both occasions. It was reported that the Safer Neighbourhood Team, which reports to the Community Partnership meetings, prioritised three particular areas and devised a problem profile for those areas. It was suggested that members may wish to become involved in that process and identify areas that ought to be given more consideration.
34/10-11 RESOLVED
· That this report be received and noted.
· That a letter be sent to Inspector Shooter outlining the points raised by the Deputy Leader and the apparent lack of communication between elected members and senior police officers on matters of concern in the town.
·
That the
Council Minutes
Members considered the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 7th June 2010 (Pages 6 - 15).
35/10-11 RESOLVED
That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Dronfield Town Council held on 7th June 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
10/00428/FL : Application to vary Condition 13 of planning approval 09/00639/FL
to allow changes to western boundary and subsequently parking and manoeuvring
areas at 30 Northern Common for Mr D Inman
36/10-11 RESOLVED
That he above application is objected to for the following reasons: Given the previous history of these multiple applications in the recent past, members considered that the planning authority must have had very good reasons for imposing strict conditions when granting consent for the development to go ahead and as one of the most contentious items that was considered in the former application was the boundary wall and the parking areas, members considered that these conditions imposed should be adhered to. Members 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.
37/10-11 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Outside
Services
Members were informed that the planting beds have now been planted with summer plants and flowers and will be in place until the end of October. All the hanging baskets have now been installed and will be watered and fed until the end of summer. During the past two weeks of hot sunny weather, the task of watering has taken place three times per week to ensure that the young plants do not wither and they will hopefully grow into strong vibrant long lasting displays due to the extra care and nurturing that has taken place. The window boxes at the Civic Hall have been replanted with summer displays and these displays are watered separately by caretaking staff using mains water supplies from the Civic Hall. The planters and hanging baskets at Dronfield Station which were installed by FODS are also being watered and fed at the same as part of the Council’s commitment to community partnership with voluntary organisations. The additional safety and security fencing at Stonelow Road has now been ordered and will be fitted during the next three weeks. The fencing around the football pitches, which was requested by Dronfield Town Football Club and agreed by members recently has also been ordered and will be installed at the same time. This Council will then recharge DTFC for the cost of their fencing. The new fencing around the newly installed play equipment was part of the refurbishment programme as the existing fencing does not meet current health and safety requirements. Vandalism to bus shelters and notice-boards, on a minor scale, has continued to occur and staff have attended and repaired the damage. In a recent bout of vandalism to a Green Lane bus shelter, two sheets of glass were smashed causing at least £600 worth of damage, the culprits were apprehended by police. Prior to the Dronfield Feast, staff were busily engaged in facilitating and assisting by lending and supplying various pieces of equipment, chairs, tables and display boards etc for various sites as part of the Council’s community commitment.
38/10-11
RESOLVED
· That this report be received and noted.
· That Dronfield Town Football Club be reminded that one of the conditions of allowing the fencing to be installed around the football pitch was that there should be a proper and appropriate parking regime for those days when matches are being played so as not to interfere with local residents’ access.
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 Glyn Lewis had been invited to attend but will be on annual leave for the first two weeks of July. He has now informed the office that due to time constraints, it will not be possible to organise any activities for the youth of the town this year.
39/10-11 RESOLVED
That this report be received and noted.
The Power of Well Being
A training session for elected members was held in Dronfield Civic Hall at 6pm on Thursday 10 June, when 12 of the 19 elected members were in attendance. The training was conducted by Brian Wood of DALC and it was unanimously agreed that the session was most worthwhile. The current legislation requires 80% of elected members to undergo formal training before the Council can be awarded the power of well being. The absent members have been notified of the next training session to be held in Ripley on 27 July 2010.
40/10-11 RESOLVED
That
this report be received and noted and that the Clerk arrange for those members
who were absent from the first meeting to attend the second training session to
be held at Ripley on 27 July 2010.
Town Twinning Federation
Members had been provided with the minutes of the last meeting of the Town Twinning Federation, which was held on 2 June 2010 for information.
41/10-11 RESOLVED
That
this report be received and noted and that the Clerk arranges a joint meeting
to consider the forthcoming 40th anniversary in 2011 of the town twinning
arrangements between Dronfield and Sindelfingen.
Proposed Telecoms Base Station: Wreakes Lane, Dronfield
Correspondence from the Vodafone Group and Telefonica Group advising that they plan to form a strategic partnership to share mobile assets in the UK was considered by members.. This would mean that Vodafone and O2 will be working more closely in the installation of masts and they plan to consolidate the number of base stations and thus significantly reduce the environmental impact of such installations.
The Dronfield proposals are that the current site at Dunstan & Wragg, Wreakes Lane will be modified by replacing three of the existing antennae and an additional equipment cabinet.
42/10-11 RESOLVED
· That this report be received and noted.
·
That should a planning
application for the above proposals be submitted during the summer recess and
the application seeks to increase the height of the existing antennae, then a
letter of objection be submitted to the planning authority and a request made
that no consent is given without a site visit being convened and that the
matter is considered by members of the planning committee.
Dronfield Charity Music Festival
Members considered correspondence informing that the Annual Music Festival will be held at Dronfield Woodhouse Recreation Ground on Sunday 8 August 2010. It was reported by the organisers that the festival will cost in the region of £2,500 to stage and due to the present economic climate, sponsorship may be reduced. The organiser requested a grant towards the cost of staging this year’s event. Last year, the Council awarded a grant of £500 to the organisers under Section 137 of the Local Government Act of 1972.
43/10-11 RESOLVED
That this report be received and noted and that a grant of £500 (Five Hundred Pounds) be awarded to the Dronfield Charity Music Festival under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972.
The Dronfield 10K Fun Run
Members considered correspondence from the organisers of the 10K Fun Run regarding the event held last March. The organisers are interested in developing the race in Dronfield and would be happy to discuss future events with this Council in order to enhance the event for the whole community.
44/10-11 RESOLVED
That
this report be received and noted and that the organisers be invited to attend
a future meeting of this Council to give a brief presentation with suggestions
and proposals to enhance the event for the benefit of the town.
Publications Received
Members considered a schedule of publications that have been received and are available at the Town Council Offices for perusal.
45/10-11 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Working Groups of the Council
Notes of the
Recycling/Energy Conservation Working Group held on Wednesday 30 June 2010 in the Upstairs Meeting Room of
Dronfield Civic Hall
Further
Recycling Initiatives
Members were advised that NEDDC had enquired about the possibility of locating an additional recycling amenity on the Dronfield Woodhouse car park after demolishing the toilet block. This Council’s preferred site for such an amenity was the Gorsey Brigg site adjacent to the scout hut and it was agreed that if the appeal by the developer is successful and the development of new houses and a car park which will be located on Town Council land, then NEDDC be requested to site the additional facility at that site.
46/10-11 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.
Energy Conservation Initiatives
Members considered the detailed report on “Sustainable Energy Opportunities at Dronfield Town Council” which had been commissioned from The Marches Energy Agency. The report audited energy consumption at the three major energy using sites of the Council; namely The Civic Hall, Gosforth Lodge/Cliffe Park and Coal Aston Changing Rooms. The report gave a brief overview of what currently exists and then recommended solutions for both “energy efficiency measures” and “renewable energy opportunities.” for all three sites.
Dronfield Civic Hall:
Energy Efficiency Measures:
It is suggested in the report that the current heating system is extremely inefficient and is not performing as was originally specified. It is strongly recommended that the valves supplying hot water to the heating coils (in the ceiling) are switched off and that the extractor fans in the ceiling of the main hall be serviced and used purely for air circulation. This would mean that the primary heating source of the main hall would be by the fan assisted radiators attached to the walls at ground level.
It was recommended by members of the working group that following a review by a competent premises/building services consultant to address the above deficiencies; the current Concorde gas boiler supplying heat to the main hall is replaced by a 92% gas efficient condensing heat only boiler at an estimated cost of £5,000 which would result in a payback period of 4-5 years. The impact would be very significant given the serious inefficiency of the present system and would achieve savings of more than £1,000 per year and 3 tonnes of CO2 per annum. Members also recommended that additional insulation to the primary pipe network in the offices and downstairs meeting rooms be installed at a minimal cost, with a payback period of less than 2 years and savings of £50 per year and 150kg of CO2 and that the lighting in the over head light fittings in the first floor offices be reduced by removing some of the fluorescent tubes. The impact will be minimal but free savings should be considered as a bonus.
47/10-11 RESOLVED
· That this report be received and noted.
· That additional insulation to the primary pipe network in the offices and downstairs meeting rooms be installed at a minimal cost, with a payback period of less than 2 years and would generate savings of £50 per year and 150kg of CO2 .
· That the lighting in the over- head light fittings in the first floor offices be reduced by removing some of the fluorescent tubes which would have a minimal impact but free savings should be considered as a bonus.
· That the replacement of the current Concorde boiler in the Civic Hall be deferred until a further meeting can be convened to consider the matter in greater detail.
Renewable Energy Opportunities:
Various scenarios were considered but it is strongly recommended in the report that the Council should consider installing Solar Photovoltaic Panels on the roof of the Civic Hall as this system would produce electricity for the use of the building and surplus energy is then fed into the grid system for which payment is made. This system also has a highly visual impact on the community and enforces the green credentials of the Council. Feed –In-Tariffs may also be available but it has not yet been clarified if these tariffs will be available if central government grant aid is awarded for the capital cost of installation.
48/10-11 RESOLVED
That this report be received and noted but that no further action is taken at this time.
Gosforth
Lodge/Cliffe Park
The report outlines that whilst the total electricity consumption can be readily identified, only one meter is installed and serves Gosforth Lodge, changing rooms, floodlights, pathway lighting and CCTV throughout the park. Gas consumption is used solely for heating Gosforth Lodge. Once again, the report summarises the energy efficiency measures and the renewable options.
Energy Efficiency Measures:
The report recommends that all the current fluorescent tubes are replaced with retro fit T5 tubes and high frequency control gear which would cost around £160 but would have a highly visible impact and give improved lighting. Whilst the savings would be modest, the green credentials of the Council would be enhanced.
The fitting of insulation to the large water storage tanks in the changing rooms is also recommended. The likely cost is around £500 if done in house with a very short payback period but would achieve a significant saving of 10% of the cost of hot water production and almost 3% of the total carbon footprint of the whole site.
49/10-11 RESOLVED
· That this report be received and noted.
· That all the current fluorescent tubes are replaced with retro fit T5 tubes and high frequency control gear which would cost around £160 but would have a highly visible impact and give improved lighting and enhance the green credentials of the Council.
· That insulation is fitted to the large water storage tanks in the changing rooms at a likely cost of around £500 if done in-house, which would achieve a significant saving of 10% of the cost of hot water production and almost 3% of the total carbon footprint of the whole site.
Renewable Energy Opportunities:
Once again, members considered various options and the report recommends that a solar thermal array to heat the hot water required for the showers is installed. This system may be eligible for Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments that could total as much as £2,336 and be payable for 20 years. Once again, it is not known at this stage whether grand funded installations will be eligible for these payments. It is also not yet clear whether the payments itemised above will be payable if the heated water production is not as great as forecast but further information will be sought. This scheme will not start before April 2011 as the rates are still at the consultation stage. If a solar panel array were to be used to generate about 50% of the hot water usage at this site, then the installation of a mains gas fired 92% efficient combination boiler should be considered as a more efficient method of heating the balance of the water required.
50/10-11 RESOLVED
That this report be received and noted but that no further action is taken at this time.
Coal Aston Changing
Rooms
Both energy efficiency savings and renewable energy options were considered for this location but as the facility is only used for two days per week for a six month period in winter (football season) then the possibilities of significant savings in energy consumption and CO2 emissions are minimised.
Energy Efficiency Measures:
The report recommends that all the current fluorescent tubes are replaced with retro fit T5 tubes and high frequency control gear which would cost around £600 but would have a highly visible impact and give improved lighting. Whilst the savings would be modest, the green credentials of the Council would be enhanced.
Also considered was that the boiler and flues be descaled and flu damping devices fitted to improve the efficiency of the LPG fired boiler. The cost would be in the region of £300 and produce small savings on running cost with a 2.5% reduction in CO2 emissions.
51/10-11 RESOLVED
· That this report be received and noted.
· That all the current fluorescent tubes are replaced with retro fit T5 tubes and high frequency control gear which would cost around £600 but would have a highly visible impact and give improved lighting and enhance the green credentials of the Council.
Renewable Energy Opportunities:
Once again, various options were considered in the report but the report recommends that a bio mass wood pellet burning boiler plus storage system be considered. This system may be eligible for Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments that could total as much as £1246 and be payable for 15 years. Once again, it is not known at this stage whether grand funded installations will be eligible for these payments. It is also not yet clear whether the payments itemised above will be payable if the heated water production is not as great as forecast but further information should be sought. This scheme will not start before April 2011 as the rates are still at the consultation stage. Members considered that this scheme would only be viable IF there were capital grants available for the total capital costs and that RHI payments would be made for the duration of 15 years in the event of grants being awarded.
52/10-11 RESOLVED
That this report be received and noted but that no further action be taken at this time.
Notes
of a meeting of the
Members were appraised of earlier decisions
taken and that it had been previously resolved to hold the
It was agreed that a nominal charge of £2 per session be made for the ice skaters and that the rink would be in position from Friday lunchtime until 8pm on the Saturday.
It is hoped that the street market would be composed of a variety of stalls comprising traders and local community groups helping them with their fund raising activities. The Civic Hall will also be available for serving of refreshments and for local groups to set up fund raising stalls etc. All voluntary groups will be notified and requested to reserve a place at the event.
After the lights are switched on, it is hoped to retain the band and also to organise an open air concert to show-case local groups of singers, dancers and musicians along the lines of Dronfield’s Got Talent. It is also hoped that some form of sponsorship can be enlisted to help defray some of the costs.
The feasibility of extending
Members also discussed a request from a local resident to hold an open air concert in Cliffe Park during the summer of 2011 featuring bands from the 60’s and 70’s. There would be a charge for entry and all proceeds will be donated to a local hospice. Members agreed to raise this matter at the next Council meeting for discussion but did not anticipate any problems as a precedent has been set with the Dronfield Charity Music Festival taking place at Dronfield Woodhouse Recreation Ground for which an entrance charge is made with profits being donated to local charities.
53/10-11 RESOLVED
·
That the
· That a street/traders/Victorian market involving traders and local community groups be organised to operate from 4pm until 10pm on High Street which will entail requesting the County Council to close the road from the top of Soaper Lane to the entrance to the Civic Centre from 2pm until 11pm on Friday 26 November 2010.
· That the artificial ice rink be ordered and located at the small car park to the rear of the library from 1pm on Friday 26 November 2010 until 8 pm on Saturday 27 November 2010 at an approximate cost of £4,900.
· That provision is made for a stage to be erected in front of the library for a band concert and local groups of singers, dancers and musicians to perform.
· That the Civic Hall is made available for the sale of refreshments and hot drinks plus for the use of local community groups who may wish to place their stall indoors.
Schedule of Payments
Members considered a schedule of payments for the month of May 2010 in the amount of £62,908.93 paid from the Council’s No 1 account.
54/10-11 RESOLVED
That the schedule of payments in the amount of £62,908.93 for the month of May 2010 be received and noted for information.
Schedule of Receipts
Members considered a schedule of receipts for the month of May 2010 in the amount of £32,352.69 paid into the Council’s No 2 account.
55/10-11 RESOLVED
That the schedule of receipts in the amount of £32,352.69 for the month of May 2010 be received and noted for information.
© Dronfield Town Council | Send comments to DTCFeedback | Website created by BBR