Council Meetings

 

                                                                      

 

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF CHARMOUTH PARISH COUNCIL

HELD AT THE ELMS ON TUESDAY 15 APRIL 2008

 

PRESENT:                 Mrs J Bremner                                 Mrs H Cleden            

Mr M Hayter (Chairman)              Mr M Hendrick           

Mr K Lander                                    Mrs J Morrow           

Mr D Newson                                     Mr J Prosser

Mr R Wyatt           

 

53/08            APOLOGIES 

Apologies were received from Mr Osborne and Mr Whatmore.

54/08            MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 15 APRIL 2008

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 April 2008 were approved by Council and signed by the Chairman.

55/08            MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

1.         Re: 39/08 1. – Mr Hendrick stated that following the camera investigation of the foreshore drain, the information on the pipe is now awaited.

56/08            FORESHORE COMMITTEE (Meeting held on 1 April 2008)

1.         Mr Hendrick stated that according to the Deed of Variation with the HCC, permission should be sought for jewellery sales.  Mrs Bremner would raise this issue. 

2.         Mr Hendrick confirmed that an e-mail had been sent to Nick Browning of WDDC thanking him for repairing the bridge onto west beach.

3.         First aid courses to be discussed at next month’s foreshore committee.

4.         With regard to parking permits for unit holders, it was proposed by Mr Hendrick, seconded by Mrs Bremner and 

            RESOLVED that 1 permit continue to be issued to each unit holder (Beach Café, Rock Follies, Fossil Shop and East Beach Concession) as well as 2 warden’s permits to the HCC.  Following a letter from HCC seeking to purchase more permits at £35 each, this was not considered an option as each space makes about £1200 per year.  It was suggested that they should enquire of WDDC regarding their car park in St Andrews Drive. 

57/08            PLAYING FIELD AND CEMETERY COMMITTEE (Meeting held on 1 April 2008)

1.         It was confirmed that the archery session with the Scouts had appeared to be successful. 

2.         Mr Hayter reported that it was not possible to purchase Harris Fencing from a builders merchant without purchasing a large quantity.  He had however managed to obtain 4 panels (inc clips and feet) from a local builder who was ordered some for himself.  This amounts to approximately £200 and it was proposed by Mr Hayter, seconded by Mr Hendrick and 

            RESOLVED that 4 sections of Harris Fencing be obtained via a local builder at a cost of approximately £200.                                                                                                                                                1/6                                                                                                                                                902

3.         Mrs Cleden reported that the hedging had now been removed between the two fields and she felt this was a job well done. 

4.         Mr Newson reported that the Listed Building Officer from WDDC may take a few weeks to look at the wall to the rear of the George Hotel. 

5.         Mrs Bremner asked what the possible future use of the new cemetery land may be. 

58/08            PLANNING COMMITTEE (Meeting held on 8 April 2008)

The minutes of the Planning Committee had been circulated to all Councillors showing the comments made on the applications received.  Mr Hendrick declared an interest in No. 1 of the minutes and left the room whilst this was discussed.  Mr Newson reported that the applicant from Merianda, The Street was to appeal against the decision to refuse permission for the decking at the front of Harvey’s Café but in the meantime was talking to the Planning Officers about metal railings instead.  In addition, Mr Whatmore had met with DCC regarding the proposal to remove 30 elm trees at Hammonds Mead.  It was agreed that most of the elms were saplings and in a shambles.  Substantial re-planting was agreed. 

The following had been received since the Committee Meeting:

·      Collection of letters relating to Follies application (all copies of letters sent to WDDC from Dr and Mrs Robertson)

·      Amended Plans – Lyme Cottage, Old Lyme Hill – Erect two storey extension

·      Tree application – The Rosery – No objections

·      Draft Housing Strategy – response due by 13 June – to be dealt with at the next Planning Committee

 

59/08            BALANCE OF ACCOUNTS 

Balance at Bank as of 31.03.08                    23353.40                                           

Business Deposit Account                             96869.26                                           

(Represented by:   Working                          40362.60

                              Contingency                        3304.42

                              Earmarked Reserve)       53202.24

 

Income for March                4910.54                     

Expenditure for March       18714.32

 

60/08            ACCOUNTS FOR APPROVAL

Inland Revenue                        1573.46

C B Potts                                   6150.10

Blooming Baskets                      147.01

Cowling Agriculture                  2590.87

Travis Perkins                            268.42

Bradfords                                     32.74

EDF Energy                                433.68

Crysolite Protective Coatings     42.30

Liftserv                                       431.20

DAPTC                                       402.21

Gloster Furniture                       530.02

C W Groves                                  55.92

Prospect Garage  83.41

Hansford Construction              2556.57                                                                

Axminster Ironworks                  182.13

Viking Direct                               260.82

BT                                                  67.80

                                                 15808.66

It was proposed by Mr Prosser, seconded by Mr Hayter and

            RESOLVED that the above accounts totalling £15808.66 be approved for payment.

61/08            FINANCE COMMITTEE (Meeting held on 8 April 2008) 

1.         Wages expenditure for March amounting to £3344.25 was noted.

2.            Following circulation of the monthly spreadsheets for March, it was proposed by Mr Wyatt, seconded by Mr Newson and

            RESOLVED that the March 2008 accounts be accepted.

3.            Following circulation of the end of year finance report, it was proposed by Mr Prosser, seconded by Mrs Cleden and

            RESOLVED that the end of year finance report be accepted. 

4.            Following circulation of a sheet indicating the proposed allocation of the end of year surplus and the carried forward budgets, it was proposed by Mr Prosser, seconded by Mrs Morrow and

            RESOLVED that the end of year surplus and carried forward budget figures be allocated as set out in the finance minutes and associated papers. 

62/08   WEST DORSET DISTRICT COUNCIL ISSUES

Mr Newson reported on the following items: 

1.         The new country-wide bus passes should now have been received by all those who are entitled. 

2.            £200,000 had been received for youth activities and this would be split into three projects.  One permanent skate park in Dorchester, one mobile skate park to take round to youth clubs etc and facilities for disabled children.

3.         It is hoped to improve the Dorset For You website to make it easier to navigate. 

4.         Mr Lander asked whether any of the £200,000 was spare for other projects.  Mr Newson confirmed that it wasn’t and unfortunately the West Bay car boot money that was available could not be accessed by Parish Councils.

63/08            DORSET COUNTY COUNCIL ISSUES 

In Col Brierley’s absence there were no items. 

64/08            REPORTS FROM NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVES OF ORGANISATIONS 

1.         Mr Lander reported that he would be attending a Digital TV Switchover Working Group Meeting on Friday morning.  The Clerk reported that e-mails were being exchanged with Bill Taylor regarding a public meeting.                                                                                      3/6                                                                                                                                              904

2.         Mrs Cleden reported that year 5 from Charmouth School had taken part in “Dorset Rocks” at the Royal Albert Hall. 

3.         Mr Prosser reported that St Andrews Community Hall were looking for two new Trustees following the resignation of David Carter and Roy Churchman.  Suggestions had been made.  The AGM is to be held on 28 May 2008. 

4.         Mrs Bremner reported that she would be attending the Gateway Communities Forum at Fernhill on Friday. 

5.         Mrs Bremner also reported on the Twinning Association reception for the French visitors to be held on Thursday 15 May.  She would be attending this event.

65/08            RESIDENT’S BEACH HUT DRAW 

The Resident’s beach hut draw was done by Mr Hendrick and members of the public.

66/08            CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATIONS 

1.         An e-mail has been received from Bill Taylor of Digital UK and following the Annual meeting, he has agreed to come to a public meeting to provide an update on the switch over to digital TV. 

2.         A thank you letter has been received from Dorothy House Hospice Care following the donation of £100 sent in lieu of the anchor. 

3.         A letter has been received from Mr and Mrs Justice of Kidmore Close suggesting that “walk through” bus shelters would be useful at the bus stops outside and opposite the Elms as well as other locations.  It was proposed by Mr Hayter, seconded by Mrs Cleden and

            RESOLVED that the request for bus shelters be supported by the parish and forwarded to Dorset County Council. 

Mrs Bremner wondered if the bus stop pole which used to be at Wood Farm, could be reinstated.  This is more difficult since the change in road layout associated with the bypass.

4.         A letter has been received from Mr Just on behalf of the Bowls Club seeking permission to erect a storage shed, between the existing shed and the Council workshop.  This is to be able to keep the members equipment and the maintenance equipment separate and improve Health and Safety.  It was proposed by Mrs Cleden, seconded by Mr Wyatt and 

            RESOLVED that the erection of a second shed be approved with the condition that the Council accept no liability for the for the shed or contents.

5.         E-mails have been received from both PC Forshaw and Tony Mackle of DCC regarding parking on the pavement.  These e-mails were read to Council and the Chairman stated that little more could be done except explain the situation to the public.  He gave full credit to PCSO Mark Jones for taking back the message about parking on the pavement following the Annual Parish Meeting. 

6.         An e-mail has been received from Nick Collins of DCC following M Whatmore’s meeting with him.  The hedge in question on the corner of Hammonds Mead belongs to the householder and therefore cannot be removed.  They are asking for it to be cut back.

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7.         A letter has been received from WDDC regarding the issue of sandbags.  This has been passed to Mr Whatmore as Flood Warden. 

8.         A letter has been received from the Audit Commission regarding the appointment of BDO Stoy Hayward as external auditors to Charmouth PC from 2007/2008 – 2011/2012. 

9.         An e-mail has been received from DCC regarding the agenda for the forthcoming Gateway Communities Forum.  This has been passed to Mike Hendrick and Jane Bremner.

10.       A letter has been received from Southern Electric regarding the buy out affecting Dorset Street Lighting Pfi Project.  This will be passed to Jane Morrow and Richard Wyatt.

11.       An e-mail has been received from Dorset Coast Forum regarding the publication of the draft Marine Bill.  This will be passed to the Foreshore Committee.

12.       Further updates have been received on the Napoli and this will be passed to the Foreshore Committee.

13.       A letter has been received from DCC inviting the Council to respond to the Dorset Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP) Update.  This should be passed to MW and KL to deal. 

14.       A photo and note has been received from a resident of St Andrews Drive showing inconsiderate parking.

15.       A letter has been received from the police regarding an update on command issues at Bridport Section.  Inspector Alan Jenkins is back in charge at Bridport.

16.       A letter has been received from Mrs Bonner of Charmouth Tennis Club seeking support from the Council towards the coaching sessions to enable a grant to be applied for.  This was approved by the Chairman due to short timescale.  It benefits local youngsters and older people who would not otherwise play tennis.

17.       A copy of a letter from Mr Pearce of Parkway to WDDC has been received expressing his concern at the proposal for the dust cart not to go down Parkway any more.  Mr Newson has been involved and this is for the Council’s information. 

18.       An e-mail has been received from Dorset Wildlife Trust re Dorset Greenwood Tree Project Seminar – this is available to read.

19.            Information has been received from Dorset Libraries service regarding volunteers and proposed opening hours.  This has been passed to M Whatmore. 

20.       Local Council Briefing for Spring 2008 has been received from BDO Stoy Hayward. 

21.            DAPTC circular 04/08 has been received and relates to the subscriptions.

22.       BLAP information has been received and is available to read.

23.            Information has been received from Chalk and Cheese regarding the development of a Local Action bid for the local area.  This is available to read.

24.       WDDC Community Link for Spring 2008 has been received and is available to read.

25.       Local Council update has been received and is available to read.

                                                                                                                                                5/6                                                                                                                                                906

26.       The Local Column Newsletter from April 2008 has been received and is available to read. 

67/08            EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION

1.         Mrs Bremner reported that Mr Groves of C W Grove and Son had been looking at the beds at the Foreshore and had established that 40 plants are required and he is reasonably confident that this will be within the budget of £200.  The Beach Attendant is to provide horse manure and Mr Hendrick has a pampus grass.

2.         Mrs Bremner expressed concern about the new bus pass system as the buses may well be inundated with elderly tourists wishing to travel.  She feels this could be a worry.

Public participation:

3.         Mr Justice stated that he had a 31 bus timetable from the TIP downstairs that is dated 2006.  Mr Berry stated that this is in fact still current.  Mr Berry also mentioned that the 31 service is to become double decker as this route is to have the old X53 buses.

4.         Mrs Stapleton mentioned several issues including parking passes for the Heritage Coast Centre.  This led into a conversation about financial priorities.  She also stated that the Twinning Association would be pleased to see as many Councillors as possible at their reception in May.

The public left and it was proposed by Mr Prosser, seconded by Mr Wyatt and

            RESOLVED that the Council go “in Committee”.

 

The meeting closed at 9.00pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       

 

    

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