New Alresford Town Council

Meeting of Town Council

Held at the Arlebury Park

                                              7.30pm Thursday 11th  September, 2008                                   9TC

                                                                                                                                                                                      

Present:                  Cllrs. Yeldham, Gentry, Read, B .Jeffs, Cattle, Phillips, Mansfield, Evans, Power, 

In Attendance:              Cllr. E.Jeffs

Apologies:     Cllr. Luckham, Middleton, Porter, Hollingbury, Cook  

Press:                               2

689

689.1

 

689.2

 

 

690

 

 

691

691.1

691.2

691.3

691.4

 

692

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

693

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

694

694.1

 

 

 

 

694.2

 

 

 

694.2.1

694.3

 

 

 

695

695.1

695.1.1

 

 

 

 

695.2

 

695.2.1

 

 

 

 

 

696

696.1

 

 

 

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697

697.1

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697.3

 

 

 

 

 

697.4

 

 

 

 

 

697.4.1

 

697.4.2

 

697.4.3

 

 

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697.5

697.5.1

 

 

 

 

698

698.1

 

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698.3

 

 

699

699.1

699.2

 

 

670

670.1

670.1.1

670.1.2

670.1.3

670.2

670.2.1

 

Declarations of Interest on Agenda Items

Cllr. Power declared an interest in Item 697.3 Resolution: To investigate the removal of sub-standard street lighting maintained by NATC and request HCC to install modern street lighting in adopted roads.

Cllr. Gentry declared an interest in items 697.4.3 Planning resolution in respect of Stiles Yard and

 697.4.4 43, West Street (the old co-op site)

 

Minutes of the meeting held on 10th July, 2008

Proposed: Cllr. Phillips  Seconded Cllr. B. Jeffs (AGREED)

 

Actions Carried Forward from 10th July, 2008

Byelaws - Under investigation

Arlebury Park lower toilets refurbishment has been completed.

Repairs to the Flint Wall awaiting quotes

Repairs to Perins Fence awaiting a response

 

District and County Councillor’s Report

Cllr. E. Jeffs The reply from A. Hickman had been sent and a response is needed by the end of October.  The document omitted to included parking restriction in Sun Lane.

There was to be an LDF workshop on Tuesday 16th September and he would forward the Agenda.  This meeting was invitation only.

The Winchester Silver Hill program was moving ahead and the financial viability was continually monitored in light of the economical climate.

 

Public Participation  (meeting adjourned)

Tony Bravery

Q The Community Centre had been inspected by three bodies resulting in the requirement to renew the Town Hall plaque on conservation grounds.  This restoration would cost approximately £7k.  As the City Council no longer had an historic fund budget the Community Centre have no alternative than to approach NATC for funding.

A It was suggested that a grant application for this restoration be completed and NATC would consider the application when reviewing next years precept.

David Goodman

Q Referred to the Agenda Item 10.2.1 (W.I. donation of an Oak Sapling) and pointed out that unless the sapling was of a substantial size it had every likelihood of being vandalised

A DG was thanked for his advise.  Depending on the size it may be worth ascertaining whether an old tree guard could be found to protect the sapling.  

Margaret Gould Informed the meeting that it was an extremely small sapling.

Geoff  Sayer

Q The Informed the Council that large amounts of money was being found for car parking and cyclists but that the dropped curb outside Hankins Court in Jacklyns Lane remained as an outstanding WCC repair.  This curb continued to be a hazard to pedestrians and was particularly problematic for those in a wheelchair.  It also requested that it would be beneficial to ask the Giles Group to participate when reviewing roads to ensure wheelchair passage was taken into consideration.

A.  The Hankins Court dropped curb despite numerous reminders from both WCC and NATC Cllrs. this job remained outstanding .  It had been ascertained that the curb was in the WCC program and had been allocated a Job.  The matter would continue to be chased until the work had been accomplished.  NATC thank Mr. Sayer for help from the Giles Group and they were in agreement that benefit would be gained from participation from this group.

Mike Atherton  

Q Suggested that Cllrs. go around the town in a wheelchair to ascertain the problems encountered by Wheelchair users.  He also informed the Council that the Town Trust residue commemorative money that could used to purchase trees.

A. Mr. Atherton was thanked for his suggestions.                                 (meeting reconvened)

Police

Police Presentation

The new Alresford PC Ben Stonely introduced himself to the Council.  He is a dedicated Alresford resource and hoped that his presence would alleviate the problems encountered in the area.  He informed the meeting that the continued closing of the Alresford Police station was the result of the unavailability of funds.

Criminal Record Bureau Checks

Council were not positive to CRB checks on the grounds that Councillors were requested to declare offences prior to taking office and that they did not have sufficient contact with children or vulnerable adults for a check to be permitted by the bureau.

Resolution: To move to next business. Proposed Cllr. Gentry Seconded Cllr. Cattle (AGREED)

Continuing closure of Alresford Police Station

This matter had been explained by PC Stonely but if the situation did not improve then a letter of complaint would be sent to Hampshire Constabulary.

 

Finance 

Payments

Resolution: To approve payments  for July ,2008 of £55,327.31 and for August, 2008 of £40,2018.97

Proposed: Cllr. Gentry Seconded Cllr. Power  (AGREED)

The payment to T.Ingram of £11,667 had been made and shown on the August payment list.  Council agreed to this payment in light of having received most of the Football Foundation money. 

It was noted that the final Dorlebury Invoice for £12k had been paid.

Finance Reports

The financial reports were reviewed resulting in the following resolution.

Resolution: To approve the revised budget.

Proposed Cllr. Gentry  Seconded Cllr. Cattle (AGREED)

The figures predicted that reserves would be increased to £59k. and that the ARC net income would be £324 after start up deductions had been repaid. It was requested that the election cost of £3,567k was distorting the administration figure and should be shown on the bottom line. 

 

Parking

Resolution: To enter into a Service Level Agreement with WCC to increase Civil Enforcement Officer coverage to 5 days per week upon completion of the Perins car park.  If required discussions and investigations to review possible ticketing and also resident and business parking for the Town Centre.

Proposed Cllr. B. Jeffs  Seconded Cllr. Cattle (AGREED)

Resolution: For NATC to seek opinions on the alternative parking arrangements proposed outside the new

Co-op to incorporate bus stop and disabled access. Proposed Cllr. Gentry  Seconded Cllr. B. Jeffs (AGREED)

It was suggested that public opinion be sought through the Forum Article and leaflets placed in the Co-op.

Names and addresses should be requested to guard against duplication of voters.  A disabled bay should be considered and it must be acknowledged that highways may object to angle parking.

Resolution:  To approve the extension of the 30mph in the Avenue to beyond the new traffic island

Proposed Cllr. Phillips  Seconded Cllr. Power (AGREED)    Clerk to advise HCC

 

Committee Reports

Committee Structure. - Carried forwarded to next meeting.  Clerk to despatch revised Standing Orders.

Recreation Committee

The resolution for the planting and future protecting of an Oak sapling by the WI was deferred.  The clerk was requested, in light, of the small size of the sapling to ask the WI to present the sapling for planting once it had been brought on to a hardier growth as experience had shown that small saplings are prone to vandalism.

Environment Committee

Resolution: To investigate the removal of sub-standard lighting maintained by NATC and request HCC to install modern street lighting in adopted roads.  Proposed Cllr. B. Jeffs  Seconded Cllr. Cattle (AGREED)

The Committee had installed 4 new dog bins and new cycle racks in Broad Street. 

Pinglestone Road was on-going.  It had been agreed to install a bench at the Stratton Bates bus stop and a site visit had been arranged.  It was suggested that residents views be sought prior to installation.

 Planning Committee

Cllr. B. Jeffs was requested to step away from advising on the Railway Cutting as it was considered any advice given would compromise objectivity when a revised application was submitted.

That a review be under taken of the Planning Committee with a view to reducing number of meetings and streamlining process.  Item to be put onto the Planning Agenda for 23rd October.   When large or controversial applications are received all Cllrs. were to be notified in order that they are given the opportunity to attend and comment.

Resolution:  That all formal representations to WCC Planning Committee or Department be approved by NATC Full Council prior to submission, Proposed Cllr.  Gentry  Seconded Cllr. B. Jeffs (AGREED)

Resolution: For LDF feedback and comments to go through the Planning Committee and for all resolutions to be ratified by Full Council prior to submission.  Proposed Cllr. B. Jeffs Seconded Cllr. Phillips (AGREED)

Resolution:  To agree Planning pre-consultation meeting conclusions for Stiles yard.

Proposed Cllr.  Phillip  Seconded Cllr. B. Jeffs (AGREED) 

Serious consideration should be given to access safety issues in particular ambulance and fire.

Resolution:  To convene a Special Public meeting on 23rd September in respect of 7 dwellings proposed at the rear of 43 West Street.  Proposed Cllr. Phillips  Seconded Cllr. B. Jeffs (AGREED)

It was felt that the access was dangerous and that the properties were not in character.

 

Tourism Committee 

Resolution:  To approve the Watercress Festival Association’s request for Arlebury Park to be used for Car Parking on the day of the Festival at a fee of £500.  Proposed Cllr. Phillips Seconded Cllr. B. Jeffs (AGREED)

It was confirmed that T. Ingram was in agreement with this proposal and that the Football club would take responsibility for parking at this site on the day of the Festival.

 

Alresford Recreation Centre                                                                            

Resolution:  To ratify the cost of new equipment to the value of £3,100.

Proposed  Cllr. Power  Seconded Cllr. Yeldham (AGREED)

Resolution: To approve an additional £4k for start up expenses to be administered by the Clerk and ratified by the Chair of Finance.  Proposed  Cllr. Gentry  Seconded Cllr. B. Jeffs (AGREED)

Resolution:  To pay C. Pitter and C. Tester a total of £756.25 in full and final payment for goods and services now being used for benefit the ARC Proposed  Cllr. Gentry Seconded Cllr. Yeldham (AGREED)

 

Reports from Outside Bodies

Town Partnership - The Partnership were now able to use the Health-check to assist in obtaining grants. Town Trust - The Eel house would open to the public on Sunday 14th September.  4K was needed to finalise this work and the Trust may approach the Council for a grant contribution towards this task.                                                                                                                      

Meeting Dates and Items for next Agenda

Agenda Items for 9th September.

Town Partnership Memorandum of understanding - Cllr. Power’s paper.

Committee Structure

Precept - Items for consideration for 2009/10 Precept

Date of Next Meeting

Thursday,  7.30 9th October, 2008 at Town Offices, Upper Meeting Room, Arlebury Park

 

 

 

                                         The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.25pm.

 

 

 

Chairman’s Signature…………………………………….Date…………………….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SK/KY

 

SK

Perins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BM/JC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SK.RG

 

SK/SB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SK